I am from the dry summer air of the high Sonoran,
The sight of road runners racing across the roads,
I am from chicken and rice every night, praying for
Rain to come. This is where I'm from.

I am from “I will pull this car over” and “no buts,”
The sounds of a dust storm flying through the air
over our heads and across the tundra. This is
where I'm from.

I am from mac 'n cheese and dance every night,
I am from the mailbox trail, the rattlesnakes
Appearing out of nowhere, the text talk lingo
Everyone seems to know, the Beach Boys blasting
On our way to California! This is where I'm from.

I am from monkey bars and Tamagotchis, quail
Families living in my yard. Bus ride with no air
Conditioning. Birthday parties and chocolate cakes.
I am from scorpion stings and spider bites, summer
Camps and new year likes. This is where I'm from.

I am from homemade dinners and notes in my
Lunch box, leftovers and card games, my great
Grandma, my parents, my family. This is where
I'm from.

I am from the times to remember, the love of my
Family, and the times which are hardest, through
Deaths and departures, and meets and greets, this
Is where I'm from.

A carving of my signature, rough and barren on the
Strong branch of a poor old tree. I am from three-
Way calls and Barbie dolls, that is where I'm from.

Life isn't easy or hard; it's just what you make of it,
And it all starts at where you're from.