I Am From

I am from my great-grandmothers teddy bear

From her nightgowns and sleeping caps

That she left us when she died

I am from the green house on the hill

Its calm demeanor

From where old tears reside

I am from the woods

The backcountry that’s my grandparent’s dome

I am from hugging stray cats

And bringing lost dogs home

I am from falling from trees

And scraping knees

Running from honey bees

Who sharp sting they know

Alone

Will end their short life

Over much quicker than my own

I am from Christmas at my grandma’s house and one cheek dimples

I am from yellow skin and thick hair

I am from the Overton’s and Wades

And random arm pimples

I am from snapping up the stairs

And clapping hands

I am from belting out music

But being silent in the stands

I am from Santa Claus and the Boogey Man

From the Tooth Fairy and Chuck-e-Cheese

I am from, “We’re almost there” and “I don’t know”

I am from Jack and the Beanstalk

And the tree that always grows

I am from Jesus Loves the Little Children

And from the B.I.B.L.E

I am from sleeping in my parent’s bed

From the night lights bright gleam

I am from “Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

From the belief that I can do anything

That I can gain the world’s treasure

I am from Atlanta, the old home of the Braves

I am from Georgia and Virginia

From the southern heat waves

I’m from natives and whites

From browns and blacks

I am from a mixture of it all

I am from peach cobbler and shucking corn

From planting beans and growing cabbage in the fall

I am from my brother’s terror

From getting bit by a dog

I am from his painful cheek stitches

And together feeding my grandmother’s hogs

I am from my great-grandmother’s gray eyes

And my other ones’ red skin

I am from my grandmother’s straight hair

And from her short chin

I am from my mom’s loud voice

And my brother’s contagious laughter

My dad’s introverted nature

And my grandma’s tall stature

I am from the photo booth pictures

Of my best friends on my mirror

From the keys to my 3^rd grade diary

Hidden under the dresser

I am from good grades and bad friends

From bad decisions and mistakes

I am from criticism of my choices

From life’s constant ache

I am from regrets but also pride

From pessimism but also hope

I am from bullies but also supporters

From sorrow but also jokes

I am from hot mornings and never-ending summers

From weeks spent by the pool

I am from long days

And even longer nights

From tears and sweat and drool

I am from minority and prejudice

From hating the color of my skin

But I am from self-love and positivity

From my hairs on my head to my toenails

And my soft embrace of the world I’m in

I am from blues and greens

From the beaten down Earth around me

I am from Kings and Queens

On the inside of those who surround me

I am from church every day

From the constant blessing of life

I am from love and appreciation

From my auntie’s boy advice

I am from dedication and commitment

From breaking down under stress

I am from endless competition and hard work and mental duress

But I am from strength and endurance

From the wisdom of my elders

I am from endless advice and constant questions

From achieving my endeavors

I am from isolation, depression, and anxiety

I am from dementia and cancer

From alcoholism and drug abuse

From alopecia and diabetes and heart attacks

From unexplainable doctor’s excuses

I am from prayers late at night

I am from death at a young age

I am from undetectable illnesses

From burning incense and sage

Where I’m from has made me into who I am

Who I am will make me into who I will be.

I will be from pure love and success

I will be from bright futures and new beginnings

I will be from happiness

I will be from

I will be

I will