Born in the City, Heart of the Country

            I am from the city, with the heart of the country

            Running through a sprinkler on hot summer day

            My grandmother constantly shouting at us to get

            Off her freshly mowed lawn.

            I am from the sound of friendly neighbors calling each

            Other brother and sister, playing Mother May I and Red Light

            Green Light, with our mommas watching over us braiding little

            Sister’s hair.

            I am from a southern belly, always full,

            Savoring every bit of momma’s mac and cheese,

            Or waking up to grandmother’s fish and grits topped

            Off with freshly picked tomatoes, coming together to

            Share some of momma’s banana pudding or orange

            Juice cake.

            I am from a conservative family,

            where your stuffed Diva Doll is your best friend and

            you walk home, once the streetlights come on,

            to the smell of cornbread, the look of a younger brother wanting to pick a fight,

            and momma always saying, “it doesn’t matter who you know, but what you know.” 

            I am southern belle from the city and proud of it.