Where I Am From

Minji Choi

    I am from deep blue skies, 
From wooden chopsticks and spoons, 
    From a small land, hidden— 
  A dot unseen on the world map. 

   I am from shimmering crystal lakes, 
From red leaves glowing like embers in the twilight, And
    mountains—giants towering high, 
   While dwarves and people sit below, Their
     lives nestled at the world’s feet. 

   I am from a hibiscus flower, Pure 
    white, carrying warmth, 
     Rooted deep in my heart. 
        It’s like me— Vulnerable, yet 
    strong, 
   Standing out, white and unyielding, 
A flower from a quiet corner of the world, blooming in its own way. 

   I am from loud voices, Reading 
the family motto as one: 
   “Treat the other person dearly.”  

   I am from black hair, deep eyes, 
And the love of YoungHo Choi and Hyunsuk Shin. 
            I am from giving, From 
       putting others first, 
   From “You are my best treasure” And
    “Your happiness is mine.” 

          I am from 108 bows, 
From Seoul’s bustling streets, Songpa’s
         porridge and bulgogi. 

      I am from my dad, 
Strict yet tender in secret, And 
     my mom, unwavering— 
             Forever by my side. 

In the center of the living room, A 
   family photo stands each year,
   A thread of time that binds us. 

I  know  my  parents  miss  me, 
   Their hands have gathered 
        A thousand memories
         —   Pictures   of
         me,   Stories  of 
         us. 

    I am from all of this— 
A deep blue, pure and steady, Stretching 
        across oceans, 
    Supporting me from afar, 
 A heartbeat away, 13 hours apart.