I AM FROM...

I am from water gardens and wildflowers, from enchanting folklore and my father’s books.

I am from the patchwork of emerald rice fields, perfumed morning shadows and exotic customs.

I am from the shower of spring blossoms, the sweetly scented jasmines and the serpentine deltas.

I am from artist and educators, from storytellers and wordsmiths. From Tri, Thuong and Ba Noi. I stem from sturdy roots and ancestor’s war stories.

I am from my mother’s search for a better life and my father’s struggle to survive.

I am from my grandmother’s weathered hands and her generous spirit.

From unwritten rules and heartfelt laughter.

I am from a cross cultural odyssey, transcending nationality and language: an invasive species.

I'm from the tail of the dragon and the ash of the phoenix.

From the wooden fishing boats ravaged by angry waves, the mass exodus and the incredible yearning of ordinary people.

I am from a city lost in time, a country forever changed and a world condemned to repeat history.