1



5

I’m from Queens, New York
From a quiet neighborhood named Middle Village
Of a working class district
With friends and parents who nurse and teach
I’m from a park named Juniper Valley
My version of Central Park
With large green fields and long paved roads
I call this my home

10

I’m from a family of four
From an enigmatic but brilliant young brother
To headstrong and quick-witted immigrant parents
I’m from trial and error, learning to be a sister
Lessons and journeys, tears and laughter
Books and music, journals and pens

15




20

I’m from a window the size of a wall
From afternoon sunshine radiating light
To scratched wooden floors of 15 years of age
I’m from countless home renovations
To holiday celebrations
To evening family dinners
I call this my home

25

I’m from home-cooked meals,
From lightly salted bok choy to Peking duck
I’m from annual family gatherings
Waking to eat dim sum in crowded rooms
From red envelopes to red bean mooncakes
I’m from family traditions and rich festivals
To countless relatives whose lives are an ocean away

30




35

I’m from hourly subway rides
Crowded strangers pushed in a cart
From the 6 train to the C train
I’m from familiar routes in complicated terminals
From walks along piers by the bay
To swimming in recreation centers
I find activity in the city
I call this my home