"Where I Am From" Poem

I've come from many a place
Yet I don't consider them my home
I am but a traveler here—
Why would I need an abode?
Ah, here I was born and raised
Sioux Falls is my dear hometown!
A blessed young woman am I
Living where such freedom abounds!

So my longing is indeed
To see all captive set free
And through the art of writing
Encourage humanity
To break away from apathy
And promulgate liberty
Memento mori!*

And so I've decided
To become a paradox
Responsible vagabond
Company to Wanderlust
I will set off with my trunks
Filled with sweet memories!
Remembering from where I've come
And making room for new scenes!

In my bags, I've packed away
‘Storehouses of memories’—
As my grandma used to say.
How I loved those summer days
Spent with my grandmother playing
Guess Who, Sorry, and Scrambled Eggs!
And the food that she prepared—
Those creamy banana shakes!

Oh, the aroma of her
Tuna gravy was amazing!
And our fun games of Scrabble—
Her ‘new words’ made me smile.
And her laughter so sweet,
Made small ripples on her cheeks
Yes, we were the best of friends,
Age is nothing, I tend to think.

We would share special moments, when
We'd cry and she'd hold my hand
'Love you, Jenna-girl!' she'd say
And I knew it'd be okay...
These times I carry with me,
Knowing I'm so blessed to be
Here on this path traversing
Moving, hardly stopping

Growing up I've exchanged things
Much more than monetary!
Like Disney World for Vladi,*
‘Hide and seek’ for archery,
Reading instead of TV,
Coffee without much cream…
While interests are shifting,
I pray not love and sympathy!

--jenna


*Memento mori: Latin for “remember that you must die.”
*short for Vladivostok, Russia. Locals simply call Vladivostok, ‘Vladi.’