Where I Am From

2016 3rd & 4th Grade Poetry Winner

I am from dim sum—little dishes that touch your heart,
And steaming bowls of rice noodles.

I am from eating Chinese food on Christmas Day,
And cooking breakfast on Mother’s Day.

I am from drawing, writing,
Apple picking in the crisp Autumn sun.

I pet my giant yellow dog and he sheds,
Hair,
hair,
everywhere.

I sit on the bench at the pier
And watch the pancake-like moon
Reflecting on the East river.

I am from my parents
On their endless phone calls, their clients saying ‘I want this, I want that’

I am from always hearing their phones moan.
I am who I am
My beautiful
Qi pao dress
shimmering
on
Chinese New Year.