I am from the house on top of the hill
The one-story shotgun style building that looks out over both the bay and the bridge
My dog runs in the yard, and my sister lounges on the hammock
The uncommon sunny day blazes brightly on my backyard
The smell and smoke of food on the grill making me eager to eat
I am from the artifacts my family holds dear, stored away for safe keeping
Old wine glasses and menorahs look like ordinary relics but have deeper meanings
The essence of my family still inside them
My own room of artifacts that I alone value
Trophies of home runs and soccer goals, old video games stacked high
I am from a tradition of Judaism, each holiday celebrated
With family, grandparents, cousins and history
Following the teachings of an ancient religion,
Bringing me to my coming of age, my Bar Mitzvah
Agonizing months to train and plan and anticipate the day, the party, the success
I am from my family, even when I’m by myself
Alyssa, sister, rarely walking through the halls these days,
Instead texting or calling from miles away
My parents working from early to late, coming home to the warm welcome of me and my dog
When they arrive, I am back with my family, and am happy to see them once again
I am from the hot days I spent playing sports and hanging out with friends
The cold days I spent inside, with my dog, awaiting the sun, savoring the warmth
I am from the fog as I watch it roll over the hills toward me at the end of every day
And when each morning comes as I head off to school, be it coincidence or some odd thing controlling it
The sun always emerges and I smile