Monica's Poem

Where I am From

By Monica Hsu

I am from colorful plastic IKEA cups and plates,

From my fuzzy reindeer slippers that never grow old.

I am from the worn-out play structure in my backyard,

That has been there since the 1^st grade.

I am from the clean, fresh smell of the first summer rain,

From the familiar scent of fresh cut grass.

I’m from the smell of fruity shampoo steaming out of the bathroom after a warm shower,

And from the strong vanilla scent coming from the air freshener.

I am from Rachel Ray chopping away on onions and saying “delish!” on Food Network,

From Andrew Zimmern crunching loudly on Bizarre Foods.

I’m from the fruity smoothies my mom creates every night,

And the delicious, fast potstickers I can whip up in 10 minutes.

I am from the melt-in-your-mouth almond croissants from Peet’s,

From the amazing Flavor King Pluots from the Farmer’s Market that only come once a year.

I’m from the furry softness of my dog’s small head,

And the fuzzy cover on my chair.

I am from the polished white keys of the piano,

From the stiffness of a new karate gi.

I am from Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer,

From the display of my first ever ballet slippers.

I’m from the table filled with origami made by my mom,

And my on-going collection of Cutie stickers.