De Donde Soy (Where I'm From)

I am from that man who has not protected my rights

From that man who has taken my land

I am from the melanin 

By which I at times am scared to wear

From the dirt and mud that my old man escaped from.

I am from the soup on the hottest days. 

From the beans and rice that fill the room with love 

I am from the hands that cooked their way to provide for me. 

I am from the “A COMER” (time to eat) that the neighbors could hear from across the street.

I am from the four four kick drum rhythm that keeps my feet tapping.

 I am from the language that tends to keep people stunned

As well as the language that most tend to understand 

I am from the colorful dresses that cost hands to make.

From the candy that tastes salty to some

 And too spicy for others

I am from the white lily and peony scent that fills every corner of the room.

I am from those competitive chlorine waves. 

From the tents and fires at dusk

Along with the crammed GMC with every ride we take

I am from the girl who taught me how to live life.

I am from the strict old man who is learning to feel and be loved.

I am from the heartaches and heartbreaks that my mom took nine months to form.

From the baggy dark circles that reminded me I could do better each night

I am from the shaking and zoning out each and every day.

From learned lessons and harsh punishments 

I am from the “stop wearing my clothes”

To the  “ Can I’s” 

I am from the red, white, and green

But also from the red, white, and blue

I am from the opportunities in which my father and mother could not have.