my ancestors were nomads, my mom always told me.

my great-grandmother lived through the great depression

by travelling from place to place.

my great-grandmother lived with a man

who treated her extremely poorly and left her.

yet she still stood tall and proud.

i come from strong blood, my mom always told me.

i don't feel strong.

i cry. i panic. i feel depressed. i feel numb.

i miss the days when my life was stable.

when i didn't move three times in a single year

to escape from danger.

some days i consider what would happen if i dropped out of school.

but i put on a mask for everyone,

one that exudes confdence

and power.

comfort in my being.

but inside, i know that's not me right now.

i'm not like my ancestors.