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the loud rican music playing from mini hondas driven by boricuas

breaking the necks of those young girls awaiting to grow up

awaiting for their insides to be ripped out and to be able to yell the various names of those running the corners

not knowing that the day that will happen will be the last day of their lives.

Im from the swaying back and forth on the race to reach the sky

become high but only enough to reach their dreams

little kids at the park trying to get away from the problems at home 

Im from the sound of words of pain being thrown by my parents because they no longer love each other

or do they

who knows

they leave and come as they please and but they don't realize that they hurt me and him

the little five year old about to start kindergarden, being left confused on why ?

the sound of slamming doors because maybe if its slammed hard enough then maybe the problems will die down and be left alone not brought up anymore so that they can return to their daily lives.

I am from the sound of the ball bouncing in his finger tips being passed dribbled, and shot only to miss

Miss the life he coulda had if he had just left it alone

not went looking for trouble

not went looking for a taste of his own medicine

and in the end only left to lay on a wheelchair for the rest of his life

if only he woulda walked away maybe 

but you see in this place their is no maybe's nor are their  any what if's or any second chances

you either move on to bigger and better things or you're stuck here for the rest of your life

you either leave behind the sound of gun shots at the park while you hear the sirens int he distant

you either leave or your stuck here wondering if maybe one day that person being taken away int he stretcher will be you

you either leave or you sit here and wonder what could have been of you if you had left.

I’m from the hills where no flatland survives.

I’m from the green trees and the flowing crick.

I’m from the honeysuckles we use to pick.

I’m from the old country and also from New Jersey.

I’m from potatoes & feta cheese.

I’m from the top shelf where all the treasures are found.

I’m from the neighbors who make all the sound.

I’m from the top of the steps on Christmas day.

From assume you will make an ASS out of U and ME.

But I’m from a place where fun can be.

I’m from the old-fashioned family.

From the ones who don’t belong.

I’m not from the place where good is good enough.

I’m from you won’t survive if you don’t act tough.

I’m from the string bean and meatball dish.

From the stuffed peppers.

I’m not from the American stuffed peppers.

I’m from a pool where family and friends are invited.

I’m from a taco dip that’s oh so tasty.

I’m from the summer where it’s so zesty.

I’m from my bed full of pillows.

I’m from a small town.

But I’m from many places. 

from wood polish and rags.

I am from the music who has the shame of not being listened to.

I am from the cracks between the sidewalk,

taking in all of the dirt

never forgetting where it came from.

I'm from the squeaky space in the door and under the floor boards.

I'm from the loud and the soft.

I'm from the confused and the straightforward.

I'm from the old and the new,

being told this and that.

I'm from the close and the distant,

from when my and granddad didn't talk for 12 years.

I'm from the knee my grand mom replaced 3 times,

just to walk. 

In my drawer is an envelope,

saving up hope,

pushing keeping in the good, 

not sure if its in my grasp.

I am from 16 years,

feeling like a blink of an eye.

I’m from the green trees and the flowing crick.

I’m from the honeysuckles we use to pick.

I’m from the old country and also from New Jersey.

I’m from potatoes & feta cheese.

I’m from the top shelf where all the treasures are found.

I’m from the neighbors who make all the sound.

I’m from the top of the steps on Christmas day.

From assume you will make an ASS out of U and ME.

But I’m from a place where fun can be.

I’m from the old-fashioned family.

From the ones who don’t belong.

I’m not from the place where good is good enough.

I’m from you won’t survive if you don’t act tough.

I’m from the string bean and meatball dish.

From the stuffed peppers.

I’m not from the American stuffed peppers.

I’m from a pool where family and friends are invited.

I’m from a taco dip that’s oh so tasty.

I’m from the summer where it’s so zesty.

I’m from my bed full of pillows.

I’m from a small town.

But I’m from many places. 

from the tragic land of Philly 

West Philly raised me

I am from a place where murders, robbers, and thief's are accepted. 

Idolizing these bad characters on the television 

And then becoming them.

I may be from a neighborhood thats not so good

but I do not let that affect my success

I am child of God.

I am a believer

I will not let negativity mold my personality.

From being told never let a man put his hands on you

I am a witness testifying 

I may not have known the victim personally but I still care

I am from a family that preached the idea of helping others. 

From volunteer work to feeling like its still not enough 

I am a person who hides their emotions

From acting like everything is ok to totally breaking down. 

I am a teenage girl with morals

I am not blinded by the lies and dishonor of boys

I am from a place where the pregnancy rate is increasing

From boys putting fantasy lies in their girlfriend's head. 

To soon being left with a baby and broken heart.

I am from a family that believes education comes first

From long stressful nights of homework 

To being incredibly happy to receiving my report card. 

I am a high achiever 

I am a dreamer

I am from a family where I am accepted for being myself and I love it. 

Determination to do better than my family members

I can’t count on others but on my self

From tears and laughs

Smiles that are fake as plastic

I’m a goof ball

And serves a fantastic ball as well

And dribbles at my own risk

I am from music that soothes the soul

Where talking to others is hard

Who mom expects everything from you

Who little brother is just annoying

And my little sister who I call “Girl”

Working and Learning a priority

Christians who believe in God

Where pizza and hot dogs are a main food

Guess its just our favorite

I am from almost drowning in a pool

From always being the short chubby girl

Now I am the one they want

I am from a dangerous place

But the people only see that

Not the good in the area

I am from doing what I love most

Living and caring for those who care for me

I’m from things that turn into disasters

Hard to over come things

But do live through the hard times

I am from “ what if my father would love me “

Never had one to do so

Whom mom struggles but it strong

I’m from a life where wrong is right and right is wrong

Either way, I am from me and I plan to stay that way

Smoke filled air choking your lungs.

I’m from the there’s no tomorrow,

So today it must be done.

I’m from the roller-coaster life.

That never has one theme.

I am from the rough, dry rocky ground

That grazes the sol of your feet like sandpaper.

I’m from the over salted food

When everything tastes like a caper.

I am from the cry and die

The gay no way

no shame to the name.

or it will be the last you say.

I am from the microphone with no sound.

i am from the guitar that’s missing one string.

I am from the house that has no doors.

That old front door that never opens.

I am from the big backyard which always

Held way to many kids.

The trampoline everyone wanted.

I am from secret attic trips, dyer rides,

 and roof top adventures.

 the craziest big brother ever.

I am from “but I gave her a pillow” and

 “you fell down again”.

I am from scootty shamaster, kiki, 

and grandmoms with a thousand names.

I am from big family get togethrs

And families stick together.

i am from ninja Barbies,

 toys in freezers CSI investigations.

I am from queen of the boys

And everyone’s princess.

I am from quiet corners

And sleeping standing up.

I am from the halls of an old cathiloc,

Strict straight stand still lines.

I am from long walks holding hand I love yous,

Best parents a kid could have

I am from love in good times and bad,

One big crazy family

from manners and smack talk.

I am from the slap in the face

(Swollen, throbbing, it tasted like freedom)

I am from blueberry bushes 

the Cranberry bog 

whose waters disrupted my reflection I remember

as if my own image of me was unsure.

I'm from 5- Flavor Pound Cake and casted broken limbs

From Heffas and Booty Scratchers.

I'm from the get it dones 

 and shoulda-woulda-couldas 

from Fake it! and Own it!

I'm from let the church say……Aaaamen

with a sip of blood wine 

and holy ghost dances or preaching fits reenacted for fun.

I am from Sweet Cheeks and Hot Fudge sundae

From candy, diabetic sweet potato pie and flavorless soul food.

From the buds my grandmother lost 

to the hunger,

the freckles misplaced located on legs.

I dream of the world in a box

chaotic organization,

confused orientation

suspend themselves.

I am from a time--

lost in time--

searching for past, future, and present reality

Where I am From

I am from the bugs and insects,

the lawns and trees.

I am from know-it-alls and wanna bes,

I’m from the 2 car house and swingsets.

Im from stars and late nights,

And carnivals for school.

I am from Allentown.

Im from friends next door and diversity when I walk down the street.

I am from the city where I make friends everyday.

I am from the trees being bombarded with gum,

Big ducks going down the street.

I am from, “Where is the constitution center?”

Im from the block parties and college parties.

The flags of each school coloring the city.

I am from the homeless trying to get pity.

Im from the cornerstores supplying lunch for kids,

 and thrift stores supplying clothes.

I am from the sprinklers in the streets and the water hose.

I am from “Do you want fries with that?” and culinary masterpieces.

Im from Cheese steaks and football Sunday.

I am from Philly.

[Freedom Time_Snippet]

Warm Summers, a rainy Spring, and a snowy Winter.

I am from Monument road, where the leaves and flowers

scatter the yard.

I am from "dust this, clean that, do this, do that"

I'm from New Year's Day brunch

with people filling the house.

I'm from hands on waist

Arms Crossed, stern look disciplinarians.

Church going, "Amen"

and prayer reciting Christians.

From the strong veterans

serving our country

and protecting the family.

I am from great cooks and amazing bakers

sending beautiful scents around the house. 

From the Davenports from Virginia

with a poultry farm

and many acres of land.

I am from loving friends 

who are there to talk and laugh whenever we need it. 

I am from singers, dancers, and musicians

performing their talents for many to see.

I am from family that sticks together through the 

ups and downs. 

I am from a strong, powerful, and diverse lineage.

From 40+ growing exponentially it seems

Family I mean 

From people I seem to contrast drastically 

Where I’m may not say much,

To my aunt’s got a whole novel, and then some 

I’m from my grandparents who lived nearly a century 

Who seem to have left behind ever more than they thought they would

I’m arguing about who would kill who: “Batman or Goku?” 

Not realizing, better yet, not caring we’ve got work to do. 

I’m from walking in back, because apparently I walk too slow. 

“And we’re in the back AGAIN.” Stephen says. 

Making jokes at the people in front, 

They know we’re talking about them, but that’s the fun right? 

I’m from never getting any work, when my friends are around

I’m from a point in which I thought I couldn’t escape 

Told I was too quiet, or stupid 

Second I open my mouth: “Wow he’s really smart!” 

Really? I didn’t know. 

Sorry I wasn’t born with the size of a dart 

I’m from straight D’s to straight A’s

Haha, I lie, there may be few B’s in there 

I’m from seeing my friends all set on their careers and life choices 

But all I want is to experience everything

Visit everywhere, do everything

Well, not everything but you know what I mean

I’m from me, where are you from?