Where I’m From

By Mahesh Yarasi

I am from my slender guitar with its steel strings and crisp sounds, that sits in the corner of my room, from the computer that connects me with the other side of the globe, from the boom box that surrounds me with my favorite music.

I am from the sweet mango trees and the tall coconut trees in my backyard, which my grandma gives me during the summer I am from the trees that rustle when the wind blows.

I am from the saying: Lead your days, without hurting others and yourself that my grandpa tells me when we are sitting in the patio.

I am from the shop at the end of the street, where I buy my snacks, like cookies, candy, and sweets. from the restaurants in my neighborhood where my family and I go to enjoy different types of cuisine, from the barber shop at the end of the street. I am from the Yarasi, Akella lineage which used to be villages in India, With it’s strong tradition and culture.

I am from the pickles and spices that fill the aroma of the kitchen,

from the Indian sweets, yogurt dumplings and lemon rice my family makes at gatherings and festivals, from the traditional clothes my family wears at gatherings, festivals and weddings.

I am from the family that reads the Geetha and Hyms.

I am from the video camera, and pictures, that store my childhood memories.

This is my history that I love to share and cherish.

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