I am from Q trains,

from colorful Pakistani clothing on weekends,

and black skinny jeans on weekdays.

I am from spicy chicken and rice,

from filet-o-fish and halal carts.

I am from all-night study sessions,

and Saturday sleep-ins to 4 o’clock

I am from striped red, white and blue flags,

and bigger green ones, with a moon and a star.

I am from Luna Park and walks on the Coney Island boardwalk.

from a 7 PM curfew and the lectures that followed when I broke it.

I am from dramatic Bollywood movies,

from Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

I am from cricket matches and soccer games,

from arguments about whose accent is nicer.

I am from Friday afternoon prayer,

from months of fasting.

I am from these moments and places,

and everywhere in between.