I am from the rush and roar of Niagara Falls
From the pitter-patter of raindrops against the window
From the eerie stillness that lingers just before a storm breaks
I am from ships docked at the Baltimore Harbor
From the salty scent of the sea to the familiar screeches and squawks of seagulls
I am from strolls in iridescent, brisk autumns amongst the mosaic of majestic colors
From the leaves coated in emerald, rust, amber, and fiery red

I am from cardamom, cumin, coriander, and saffron: rich and zesty oriental flavors that drift in the kitchen
I am from aromatic grains of Basmati rice, spicy, deep-fried samosas, freshly baked naan, and savory shish kebabs
I am from creamy fettuccini Alfredo and crunchy Italian garlic bread
From gooey and cheesy homemade mac N’ cheese
From a divine deep dish veggie lover’s® pizza oozing with cheese in every bite
I am from warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies and round, sweet and tart, velvet grapes
From Lay’s sour cream and onion chips and from buttery movie-theater popcorn

I am from lazy Saturdays and infuriatingly slow Wednesdays
I am from “life is short, smile while you still have teeth”
And from “the grass is greener where you water it”
I am from procrastination and all-nighters
Sleepovers and just plain old sleep
I am from comfort over style and love over gold
I am from “shopping is my cardio”

I will be from big cities and yellow cabs
From shiny lights and dark nights
I will be from sincere and trustworthy doctors devoted to their patients
I will be from fundraisers and charities for disaster victims
I will be from big family dinners and soccer practices
I will be from “Life isn’t about how many breaths you take but about the moments that take your breath away”