I Am From, Arnav Mishra

I Am From

Arnav Mishra ‘22

I am from shiny hardwood floors, sometimes polished, always cool From neon lights and tiny action figures I am from the corner house with the crack in the driveway Which I once filled with water and floated a paper boat in I am from the lemon trees in my backyard And from the cherry tomato plants that appeared every spring Whose waving branches welcomed me to taste their bounty I am from the crunchy rusk and hot chai I am from weekly calls to family in India From playfully teasing my little sister whenever I see her From piping hot chole bhature and tasty rasmalai as a treat And from traveling to new places Absorbing diverse sights and sounds I am from respecting books, elders, and my guitar And from chanting Sanskrit shlokas in the temple I am from my great, great grandfather who was a holistic healer And from my ancestors who protested social injustices In a country demanding to be free I am from the little moments, things, places, and people Remembered and forgotten, sweet and tart Cherished and celebrated These are what make me Me.