Love

I am from the hoop earrings at the beauty supply store.

From Pinesol and Blue Magic hair grease.

I am from plastic covered couches, the smell of hushpuppies and coleslaw.

I am from the collard greens and okra, the things grown from the rich, dark soil.

I am from cookouts every weekend and thick thighs.

From Geraldine and Samuel Sr.

From the loud yelling across the room and loud cheers over the spades table.

I am from “Wrap your hair at night” and  “Black don't crack.”

I am from palm sundays, and bowing our head before every meal.

I am from Africa, America, fried chicken and cornbread.

I am from North Carolina, New Jersey and Virginia.

From the small Jacksonville town where my family house is still painted yellow.

I am from the freckles on my aunt and grandma's face.

I am from the dimple on my mom’s left cheek.

I am from my mom's dreams, she prayed for calmness in times of chaos.

I am from melanin and melancholy, I am black and beautiful but society tells me I'm not.

I'm from saying I love you, as frequently as blinking our eyes from black loves is the best love.

I am from love.