I am from tall eucalyptus

and dark blue ocean waves,

from olive branches shading tiled roofs—

that clap beneath storms rolling in

from the Indian Ocean.

I am a daughter of upstate frog ponds,

strawberry plants and milkweeds,

orchards that create fairy worlds and

shelter monarchs as they prepare for migration.

I am from borderlands and a thousand islands,

I am from seaways and airlines

connecting cultures

and distant family.

I am from watermelon mountains

and high desert marked by piñon, juniper, and pine.

I am shaped by early morning fishing trips

and pickup games of basketball at the park.

I am a child of interconnected canyons and lava rock.

From thick adobe, from red and green, turquoise sky and mesa lands.

From paintbrushes and clay caked on hands.

From enchantment.

From entrapment.

I am from royal icing and biscochittos,

from warheads and breakfast burritos.

I am from a volcano,

from an atom split into two slivers of sun, where a single drop can

change the world.

I am from portals in dark cities,

from mile high summers,

and the San Francisco Peaks.

I am shaped by sandstone towers that taught me about strength

and planted dreams of the next ascent.

I am a sister of the land of smiles—

ripe mangoes, rice, and cool calm hearts.

I am from a long journey toward myself

and finding that home lives in me.

I am from alcoholics and engineers, those who know rocks and computers.

I am from builders and makers,

travelers and healers.

I am from entangled roots,

from mystery and magic.

I am from my pain—

and yours, too.

Will you walk with me?

I am from dusty roads

and dreams of fortune—

broken down in the Trinity Alps.

I am from mighty rivers

where stories converge and the salmon return.

I am from foggy mornings, oysters, and opportunity.

This journey draws me north,

shapes me like overlooks and headwaters.

Holds me like friendship.

Guides me like quiet tracks through snow,

soft and hushed as I commune with existence.

I am from a magnificent gorge,

of golden leaves and waterfalls—

cascading over impossible drops

and teaching me about connection.

I am from a treehouse—

safe and steady as wind whips the walls,

holding space for tears,

for fears,

for forgiveness.

I am from Toby and Alison.

I am from dreams of family and life.

I am from sunshine and sunflowers,

from confluence and synthesis,

from plutonium and pinecones—

from portals.