Where I'm From

Where I'm From
by Shoshauna Clark

I am from safety pins, hair pins and coconut hair oil,
from the stench of urine soaked nappies and chai tea.
I am from rain, monsoon rains, roaring down.

I am from mango trees
and the jasmine bush
whose perfume still captures hold of me.

I'm from chocolate cake and key lime pie,
from root canals and panadol.
I'm from the well-versed
and the ill-mannered,
from the alcoholic and the self-absorbed.
I'm from som tam, cha ca, kra pao, banh beo
and pani puri.

I'm from Bangkok International Airport and United Nations International School,biscuits, momos and tomato chutney.
I’m from humming 747s
and purple vibrating floors.

I’m from misty, foggy, Himalayan views,
to bright, blinding Colorado skies.
I’m from Sukhumvit city lights, sweltering Calcutta days
and black croaking crows.

I’m from big blade fans and thin worn sheets.
I’m from moth balls and mehndi stains.
I’m from squatting toilets, cockroaches
and gleaming marble floors.

I’m from hotels.
Ahh, yes hotels.
Oberoi Grand, room service, tight-fitted cold bedding
and Orchard Road.

I’m from blistering cold Hanoi days.
I’m from stupid young love and crowded streets.
I’m from both “calm noodles” and “no noodles,”
smiles, and jealousy.