Where I’m From
Xia Xiong
I’m from a people with no land,
Nomads, farmers, indigenous freedom fighters.
I’m from war, from running and hiding,
Through thick jungles and deep rushing water.
I’m from my ancestors wildest dreams
As they were forced to move from mountainside to valleys.
I’m from my grandfather’s tall tale stories and my grandmother’s Deepest woes.
I’m from my mother’s smile, her black hair
That ties me to a lineage of the
strong and resilient
Women before her.
I’m from my father’s curiosity,
His endless wonder and creativity
That flows through me.
I’m from the dirt below me,
Stardust in the air, flower petals
That wilt around me, and deep,
Deep rushing water.
I’m from sharp pencils and soft paint brushes,
Gentle strokes and all shades of the rainbow.
I’m from the hidden words from library books
Stashed far within Young Adult and Non-fiction.
I’m from the gentle bubbling of pho broth brewing,
From the spicy garlic oil and taste of soy sauce,
And of course, can’t forget the subtle hints of lime and basil. I’m from split tongues, abstract minds,
Colorful spirals of cloth stitched together
By dual cultures and constant evolution.. I’m from the free spirit that fuels my desires, Goals and dreams, the endless realm
Where inspiration meets reality.
I Am From Project 