I am from my backyard,
consisting of trees, flowers, and a meadow.
From the backyard playset,
where we attempted the impossible.
I’m from forced family bike rides,
no one admitted to enjoying.

I am from posed family portraits,
managing to make us cringe at the final product.
From four aunts, four uncles, and over 10 cousins
all transformed into a dysfunctional family.
I’m from 3 hour long dinners,
where conversations and laughter fill the room.

I am from the kitchen
with unoccupied floor space I danced on.
From my first dance audition,
a child alone in a room of strangers.
I’m from the white envelope in a mailbox,
receiving life-changing news.