MOM+DAD= ME
by Ali A.-S. 

My family comes from the U.S.A

From Gavelston to Longview to San Francisco to Monrovia 

Our family is scattered

We have mountains of family

I could talk about a lot of people

But lets start with my dad's side

My dad comes from southern CAL, Pasadena

Man I just love it when the family beach trip comes along 

50 or more get together and bond under the superb sunset 

We sit around the fire, laugh, tell story's, Bar-BQ

Our ties are stronger than an elephant

It's just amazing

I'm also muslim

We celebrate Eid and Ramadan

Fasting reminds us to be grateful

Shakoor means appreciative

We are named for this

My grandparents converted to Islam in 1969 

Our spiritual journey began then

My mom is from up north, San Francisco

She comes from a family of proud Texans

Fields, stretches of land...our land

Every other year we have a family reunion

And tons of family come "home" to Longview, Texas 

It's called the Lucas Family Reunion

We do this thing called the Lucas Family Talent Show 

I'm gonna drum this year

When my mom's "Papa" died each of the grandchildren got one of his hat's 

My mom got his straw fedora

These are our family heirlooms

I'll wear it one day

And look good too

They will be passed on for generations to come

There are things that I don't like

Distance

Or how we sometimes have to choose 

Either family reunion or beach trip

No family is perfect

But I get the best of both worlds

So you can see the scientific formula here 

Mom + Dad = Me!

Me!