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