Where Im From

By Allis Lai (Y8T)

I am from potted plants,

From cutlery and placemats.
I am from the walls filled with pictures of gap-toothed kids,
The smell of books and green tea.
I am from the bauhinia
The Chinese banyan
Who stood outside my home throughout my whole childhood
Unbothered by typhoons and storms.

Im from Sunday jiaozi and Casio calculators,

From Elsie and Sherman.
Im from scenic puzzles and I am a Singer,
And from the weekly yum-chas.

Im from McDonald toys and randomly scattered perler beads,

From play the piano! and Show your working!
And hand me downs,
And from winter hikes up Victoria Peak and ice cream.
Im from Pokfulam and Shun Tak.
Stir-fry garlic beef and fried rice
From the hands my parents wrinkled
To care for my life.

Im from the harmonious laughter around the dinner table

From the place that we will always have
After all this time?
Always