We Are From
Third Grade
We are from tomato plants we cared for,
from a mango plant grown from a single seed.
We are from dads' jokes,
and phrases like “Chase your dreams.”
We are from climbing the tree in Columbus Park,
a place that stays in our hearts.
We are from encouraging parents
and loving hugs.
We are from Grandma’s crepes and pancakes,
from dad’s schnitzel and sister's fruit salad,
from mama’s fish tacos and tasty sweets.
We are from comfy beds,
from moments of calm and peace,
from times when we can just read.
We are from building Legos and playing video games,
and from pop music and songs like
“Islands in the Stream,” “Blackbird,”
and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”
We are from soccer, football, lacrosse, and fencing,
from the track park, where we can calm down.
We are from shells and fun in the sand,
from LBI roller coasters and ocean days.
We are from siblings,
and from the moments with our families.
We are from feeling calm,
feeling happy,
feeling at home.