I am from hand sanitizer,

from Funyuns and Icees.

I am from the squeaky living room fan.

(Cold, breezy,

it sounded like a puppy whining.)

I am from the orchid tree,

The ferns on the front porch,

Which grew wildly without limit. 

I’m from the Taco Tuesdays and allergies, 

From Mom, Katie, and Abuelita Kate.

I’m from the lazy Saturdays and running-late Mondays,

From “no sweets before dinner” and “don’t sleep with wet hair”.

I’m from the Advent Calendar, 

Easter baskets and Christmas Eve parties. 

I’m from Cypress Street,

Yellow rice and black beans.

From the Mario Kart nights with Isabella and Olivia,

The scar on my dad’s arm from building me a swing set. 

In the plastic bin in my mom’s closet,

Happy faces and celebrations.

I am from two cultures joined together with peace and love.