I’m from climbing trees,
creating forts, and catching up to the boys.
I’m from candles burning.
(Green,
up north surrounded by trees,
it rained.)
I’m from exploring the unseen,
in my backyard and across the sea.
I’m from waving goodbye as my Dad drives away,
from receiving pictures halfway around the world and waiting for the welcome home hug.
I’m from 18 hour plane rides,
from layovers and confusion when english is difficult to understand.
I’m from eating catfish in the Mekong Delta, Vegemite in Australia
(which was gross),
and wiener schnitzel in Germany.
I’m from being the only blond for miles,
from exploring the ruins in Vietnam to scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef.
I’m from seeing the poverty first hand,
from seeing the stick houses on the side of the river and people using the river as their garbage, bathroom, and water source.
I am Marieski,
Meme, and Maryie
I am a world traveler,
wake surfer, and explorer.
I am the youngest of three kids,
the spoiled child, and a dreamer.