Julia "Where I'm From"

Julia
“Shadow Write”
Inspired by George Ella Lyon’s “Where I’m From”


I am from the Hawaiian Island
Where palm trees are swaying like my hips on stage
I am from the ocean
Where the sun begins to set beneath the blue sea
(Waves, flowing through my ears while I swim)
I am from a singing family
Where they gather together and harmonize
singing along with the birds in the trees.

I am from the palm trees
From Leituala and Faumuina
I am from the rocks on the mountains
covered with light green grass
From the street lights in Kalihi
to the roar in the ocean from Sand Island
With the sound of peace
and silence around me.

I’m from Kalihi and Waia’nae
Where people walk, talk, and get to know one another
Surfing along with the tight waves
While the wind blows into my face
I am from my mother's kind
Who isn’t shy to show her pride
I am who I am.