note: this isnt really a poem so much as its an exploration of the self. its not that great, so dont expect anything wonderful. i am working on lessening the repetitious "i am froms"

I am from
the garden of steps on which i took my first
cherry tomatoes bursting in my mouth
and between my toes
a young married couple in a tiny house
pine trees and seashore

I am from
gifts of origami and giant statues of Buddha,
enlightenment at my fingertips (if only i had reached)
..cherry blossom season and tying whishes to bedecked boughs
dancing to the rolling stones, sweet, red strawberries
the pink dress and ruby slippers

I am from
wild tumbleweeds madly blown
skiing longhorn with my grandmother
the family smell of chilli roast and fall harvest
snowmen melting in the crisp desert sunshine
adobe arhitecture and overgrown landscaping

I am from
snapshots taken by chinese peasants,
and the long blonde hair that entranced them
bargaining in the market place
Mahjong bracelets
and kissing boys with dumpling breath
tigers in the wild and Angkor Wat

I am from
Reggaeton and hips swinging, low cut blouse
cartoons, coffee and drunken giggles
sun, sand in my hair and ruby red lips
air quivering tension and
stony glares in the hallway,
the loving support of my fellow rebels

I am from
screaming at my parents
and crying with my head between my knees afterwards
I am from Knowing and never being Known,
passionate poetry, dance and art
my family, diversity-
culture clash