Photo by Peter Furnish

By Ben Furnish

I am from a city that never sleeps 

Streetlights dance along the sky throughout the night 

I am from my backyard 

From the worn-out balls and broken rims 

And perished insects plastered on the bottom of my sneakers 

I am from a game, in love with its simplicity 

with a sphere providing infinite possibilities 

I am from mornings of chocolate chip waffles, and NBA TV 

Every morning before school, aspiring to be like those players on the screen

And late nights in the car from practice, hoovering back Kraft Dinner

I am from Percy Jackson 

Losing myself in the world of Greek gods 

I am from a cold, snowy mornings 

Each unique snowflake touching the fibres of my skin 

I am from freezing hands and frosted lips

Constantly huddling with friends for warmth 

I am from a legendary rockstar 

Impacting my everyday life in unexpected ways 

I am from a small community where everyone is family 

Rooting and encouraging me as if I were their son 

I am from the Beaches 

An oasis of protection from all distractions 

I am from an inclusive school 

Hymn books and Evensong shaping me into the person I am today 

I am from a loving family that laughs with each other 

Loving and caring for everyone’s wellbeing 

I am from a place of happiness and appreciation 

Feeling at peace with the man I have become