Makram Ishak ~ Where I’m From: Qena, Egypt

I am from seeing the world green, sugar cane farms everywhere.

Climbing mango trees, date palms, farmer’s tracing their soil using their cows.

I am from watching Friday morning animals’ wild show.

I am from Christmas holidays when family visits, spring holidays and going out in the gardens to smell the flowers.

I am from Friday morning breakfast beans, green onion, and falafel.

I am from the smell of cookies, such a sweet aroma at Christmas time.

I am from fresh hot homemade bread on Fridays.

I am from the smell of Molokai, a dark- leaf green vegetable.

I am from Okra and pungent garlic sauce made by Mama.

I’m from stuffed cabbage.

I am from Om kalsoom songs on Thursday night on the radio.

I am from buzzing mosquitoes on a winter night.

I am from hymns listen to in church on Sunday.

I am from Thursday evening soccer games with friends.

I am from flying kites up the sky in the summer evening as the sun sets.

I am from hide and seek after school.

I am from so many proverbs spoken by wise seniors, like” what you plant; you will harvest”. “Time is like sword, if you do not use it, it will cut you”.

I am from those moments.