Washington
By Cadence de Oliveira
I am from the peak of Mount Rainier
I am from the stems of the Douglas firs crowning the rich soil surrounding the base of such honour
I am from peeking out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of the place I call home
I am from my thick curly hair protecting me from the reflection of sunlight off of the winter's first snow
The near-freezing weather still filling me with an unexplainable joy, especially when it makes others run
I am from the rich persistent rainfall responsible for composing a dense symphony of robust trees
Trees that I could look up at for years and never see the top of
Trees that fill my memories and hopes with such pride I would never dare to disrespect
Flora that fill my future self with a place to return to when I have nowhere to go
A place which will welcome me home with open arms, and a place for me to feel with pure abandon
I am from 100 inches of yearly rainfall turning every day into a gorgeous array of respect for forces and beings greater than myself
The enigmatic colours and textures soothing my brain of any discomfort the day had put forth
I am from the bluest of skies and the most breathtaking display of stars
Every star having its own purpose, its own story, its own lessons to share Every cloud shining down its advice, its guidance, its wisdom
Every glow of a planet reminding you of how small you are, in the most humbling way
And the moon reminding you that no one is insignificant, when you realize how insignificant you are
When I see these stars, these trees, these temperatures, the mountain, the rain, the sunlight, the soil… I am home