Where am I From? Jemema Joya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo2vGPANTCM

Where am I From? 

I am from Assalamu Alaikum

May Peace Be Upon You.

I am from Manikgonj, Bangladesh

where my forefathers ruled.

I am the daughter of Rahman and Rebeka,

who brought me here when I was just a year and a half old.

I’m from the rented one bed room apartment in Queens and

from the hospital, where I welcomed my baby sister,

who is now a few inches taller than me.

I’m from the word Apu,

older sister.

 

I am from the blessings from my grandparents

and from the small dreams of immigrants-

one a lawyer and the other a professor.

I am from the rides on Baba’s shoulders

to car rides to my beloved Brooklyn Tech and now to Lehman College.

I’m from the walks with Baba to the mosque,

until the age of twelve.

From patiently playing with my sister while we waited

by his side as he prayed.

 

I am from the hands of my Ma

who fed me the menu of the day:

Basmati white rice, stir fried vegetables, chicken curry, and lentils.

But no fish for me because that gross.

I am from her harsh rebukes,

which made me who I am today.

I am from her tight hugs

which I need every so often.

Thank you, Ma.

 

I am from a brick house

that is now a home

bought by blood, sweat, and tears.

I’m from Ms. Frizzle and PBS Kids.

Let’s not forget about Hogwarts!

I’m also from the sarcasm understood by my friends,

but not by my parents.

 

I’m from the rusty swing sets

and soil under my nails from

my small garden adventures.

I’m from my love of photography and nature,

trying to combine them together.

 

I’m from the harmonium,

singing in my mother tongue,

learning for 10 years and counting.

I am from the beats of the tabla, the south Asian drums.

I am from Oh amar desher mati,

Oh my country’s soil

I’m from the sand in Jones Beach and

from the firecrackers on Fourth of July.

I am from American and Bengali New Year’s,

both that occur at two different times in the year.

 

I am from saris and jeans,

from two different continents,

from two different worlds.

But now three because of I’m part of Macaulay.

 

I am an eighteen year-old,

who fears failure and dreams of success.

who makes silly wishes when the clock turns 11:11,

From unknown questions and answers,

reluctant to define myself.

I am from unfinished novels,

from internal conflicts, and

from incredible indescribable experiences.

 

I have my own unfinished story,

a novel which is left open, incomplete.

I’m from the future full of mysteries,

unknown challenges,

and hopeful dreams.

My story is unwritten and ongoing,

still stuck at the beginning,

eager for a fruitful ending.

And last but not the least,

I am from Walaikum Assalam

and may peace be upon you too.