By Jacklin Mahrous

I am from seeing the world and people from high above,
hidden in high trees
From catching butterflies
Watching cows and sheep walking on the streets
I am from family farms, mango trees, and lemons trees.

I am from Sundays of family meetings, checkers games, and grilled fire cooked food
From Sundays of mass, smells of mango and lemon trees
I am from thyme, bay leaves, and nutmeg, especially
on Christmas and Easter holidays.

I am from roads filled with kids playing soccer and hide and seek
From crowded noisy places
I am from quiet weekdays with the family and Sundays with loud laughter
From deep sleeps In Grandmother’s bed
I am from baking fresh pita bread
From fresh milk and fresh cheese.

I am from humid summer nights, cool winters, and spring fresh air
From summertime on the beach and families playing in the hot sand
I am from greeting Mama’s smile and song.

I am from fresh organic fruit and vegetables from
my family’s farm
From fresh food every meal
From Mulukhiya soup, Falafel, and Kushari made with lentils, tomato
sauce, rice, pasta, and fried onions.

I am from hot tea, hot biscuits, and vanilla cake
I am from the open countryside
From good family relationships, being close to each other.

I am from those moments.

(Photo from Pixabay)