I am from climbing trees and bloody knees

Where I clamber up to new highs and fall to new lows, earning my first tastes of success

I am from twisting slides and swing sets

Where I thrust my little brown legs forward, contemplating the physics of the “swing”

I am from sugar-covered strawberries and sour lemonade

Where I play in the sun, slathering sunscreen onto my already sunburned cheeks

But most of all, I am from the future I will create for myself

I am from falling leaves and coming summers of DC

Where we eagerly wait for snow to fall but instead let our toes freeze on the bare sidewalks

I am from loud music and louder laughter

Where we cook using the recipes passed down from my grandmothers

I am from long walks and short good-byes

Where we skip to each other’s houses like stones on water

But most of all, I am from the future I will create for myself

I am from sweet harmonies and striding piano notes

Where each new moment is a new beat to the melody of life

I am from passing trains and flying planes

Where I soar to new heights, looking down to see how small the world really is

I am from cloudy skies and starry nights

Where I lay on the damp grass staring up through a telescope into the world that awaits me

But most of all, I am from the future I will create for myself

I am from the path I will pave myself and the memories that have already started that path

Where I recall cloud gazing and enjoying sweet strawberries

I am from the connections I will make and those that have already made me who I am

Where I recall skipping to friends’ houses like stones and watching the world from above

I am from an orchestra of life and the music notes that have composed my sonata

Where I recall striding piano notes and loud music with louder laughter

But most of all, I recall the past that helped create my future