Where am I from written on 09/02/05

I am from the needle that points to space, And the fireflies that dance in the summer heat.   From the city streets turned raging rivers, To the cold Ocean breeze That numbs my nose and burns my cheeks. I am from countless houses, Lonely and empty. From butterfly kisses To nightly wishes that are carried on the back of paper cranes.   I am from forgetten ao dais in dark closets, To the rolly pollies and four-leaf clovers. And from the make-shift play house Whose plywood walls and cardboard roof give way to winter snow.   I am from soy-sauce flavored turkeys  To the weekend bowls of steaming pho. And the warm oatmeal raisin cookies To the Yan Yan chocolate dipped biscuits That never failed to calm the fires of frustration. I am from sacrifice, Dangerous oceans and distant shores. I am from new beginnings  A bright light in the endless night sky.