I am from

I've seen a few other "I am from..." Pieces posted, I thought I'd give a try to writing my own. I am always asked when camping here where I am from, I'm never sure, do they mean originally in reference to my accent or where in Ontario?

I am from that house on the hill, the one where you could hear the ocean waves breaking at night.

I am from a family of 6, sometimes more.

I am from sunny skies, warm weather, braais and boerewors.

I am from the mountains, hiking, sailing, lying in the sun.

I am from picking avocados, mulberrys, guavas, pawpaws and lemons out the garden.

I am from smelling the franjapani tree outside my bedroom window.

I am from the smell of the hot African earth when it rains,

The smell of the ocean when the winds blew.

I am from diving the Indian Ocean, from Raggies cave to Cathedral.

I am from the days on the beach drinking champagne in the sun.

I am from the busy hustle and bustle of the flea markets to the stark reality of being searched every time you entered a shopping centre.

I am from hearing bombs rattle your windows as they exploded in town and shedding a tear for the life we knew.

I am from long lines and chaos on Election Day, from hope and dancing, from the "rainbow nation."

I am from living behind security gates, from bars on the window.

I am from starting a new life, in a new place.

I am from finding new family, new friends.

I am from snow, ice and four seasons.

I am from being torn between two lands.

I am from knowing home is in two places, always far away.