Where I’m From 

I am from the ordered, calm streets of Cupertino

With the rich greenery and blooming flowers,

Where even cars seem to say please and thank you, 

Unlike the bustling traffic and honking cars in India,

My second country,

The place my grandparents and cousins call home.

I am from festive spirits and mouth-watering sweets 

Where clouds of color dance in the air

To welcome the blossoming spring,

And the burgeoning fall has people twirling among the lamps and fireworks,

For in my culture, light conquers darkness,

 And good always wins.

I am from a circle of strength and love, 

Consisting of my perfect, patient parents and brilliant brother 

Who are my pillars of support,

A circle that gets stronger

 With every crisis and victory we face together, 

For we are always a united front! 

I am from a four-letter word

That extends far beyond what lays on the surface,

For within lies numbers and formulas floating around,

And proofs and explanations waiting to be found

By only the ones who recognize the patterns and make the connections

While questioning the normal to discover yet another approach! 

I am from “Why not?”, “How come?”, and “Why can’t I?”,

Always trying to find new ways to push myself,  

As well as “Tomorrow’s a new day”,

Letting myself and others know that one’s mistakes don’t define them,

And “Just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be done”,

Showing that boundaries set by prejudices can be pushed to explore what lays beyond.  

I am from rich music breaking the silence, 

Hearty laughs filling the air, 

And bright smiles lighting up the room,

All making it easy to look around,

Feel grateful and see the cup as half full,

And recognize that life is better when taking in the warmth!