I’m from the late Friday nights sitting at my desk,

hands sore from cutting cardboard

my parents’ voices nagging me to come down and eat

I’m from the frames of my glasses -- which I’ve been wearing since before I knew what homework was -- digging into my ears

I’m from wishing I was with my Grandparents, eating juk in Hawaii

I’m from the Saturday afternoons biking with Cooper

and remembering the day I learned how

I’m from stress piling up over the thought of homework

I’m from soccer practices

From grass rubbing against my legs,

beads of sweat rolling down my forehead

I’m from the long nights kept awake in bed,

waiting for the weekend to arrive

From the long bus rides, listening to Queen,

tuning out the world and everyone around me

I’m from microwave mac and cheese before anyone cared about what was inside

From catching up with Jonah and Remi in the halls between class

I’m from darting passed my brother and his friends,

their eyes following me wherever I go

From sliding and rolling to add a grin to my brother’s face

I’m from tuning out my dad’s critique about my soccer skills during the car ride home from a game,

and feeling proud when he compliments my hard work

I’m from my mom, at the foot of my bed, reading a me story till I fall asleep