I Am From

I am from the smells of coconut lime and brown sugar and fig.
Bath & Body Works products that last for hours at a time.
I am from the taste of dark chocolate cake,
My father makes it every now and then as a treat.
I am from the voices of Ana, Hector, and older relatives.
I’m the new generation for spreading our traditions and beliefs.
I am from the sound of music,
From classical, to country, to r&b and pop.
My voice is my own instrument.

I am from the feelings of hope, love, and fear.
When will all violence end, and the peace begin?
I am from the colors of the rainbow from red to black,
Full of colors inside and out.
I am from the suburban houses and lonely streets,
All you can hear are the mimicking of crickets and tires spinning.
I am from the one and only person I know I can learn to trust,
HE is always there, day and night.

I am from “GIRLS! COME CLEAN THE DISHES!”
It’s like a broken record that never ends.
I am from the loss of a grandfather, a piece of me that’s missing.
The face may be gone, but the memories are treasured forever.
I am from fighting with my five-year-old friends for crayons or toys,
The little things we argued about made us stronger friends.
I am from dominos in the middle of the night,
Playing for money with the ones I treasure the most.

I am from Christmas Eve at grandma’s house with my entire family
As everyone goes to sleep, our party is just beginning.
I am from my trophies and ribbons,
From soccer to basketball to swimming.
I am from Martha, Dario, Christina, and Dino.
They’ve taught me a lot about growing up and making smart decisions.
I am like a summer sunset,
Gleaming in the ocean, until the break of night.