Nisha Mody

Where I'm From · May 19, 2026 · 36m

Where I’m From #37

By Nisha Mody

Inspired by George Ella Lyon

I am from hair oil,

from Amla and coconut.

I am from the carpet beneath my mom’s bed where I sat as my mom applied it on my hair.

(oatmeal colored, burbur, unforgiving)

I am from the bouganvillea

magenta, my mom’s dream flower,

also known as the paper flower which I just learned is edible.

I'm from snacky dinners and anxiety,

from Nalini and Himat.

I'm from the criticisms

and act like nothing happened,

from You don’t listen! and No!

I'm from Jai Shree Krishna

which you better say before you hang up the phone.

I'm from Arlington…