By Lynnette Martinez ’25
I am from goofy stockings and white Christmas’,
spending the night before, baking cookies for Santa.
From waking up first thing in the morning
Just to search for my mischievous elf.
I am from chipping my tooth
After a game of manhunt with
three little monkeys till midnight.
I am from “5, 6, 7, 8!” and up do’s so tight
I could do nothing but smile
From Listening to “Sweet Caroline”
As we waited to be praised
For going the extra mile.
I am from a Spanish-speaking family
Those of whom,
I couldn’t understand until recently.
From a country whose beaches
Make me feel at home
And whose music possesses my hips
To move with the rhythm.
I am from fairies and mermaids
of whom I’ve grown up wishing to be.
Dressing up in glass slippers and cheap plastic crowns,
Living in a fantasy created by little ‘ole me.
I am from “Ohana means family” and
Books, splitting the difference between
Fairytale and reality.
Showing me that life really is nothing
Like the movies.
Movies and TV shows that remind youth
That it’s not okay to not be okay.
Reminding us that we need to be “normal”
To be happy.
I am from, “It’s okay to not be okay” and
There is no such thing as “normal.”
Reminders.
Reminders that I tell myself every day.
Reminders that I tell my brothers
Because I wish someone told me when I was their age.
A reminder, of where I’m from.
The Raider Press 