Where I'm From
I’m from cold thin air & billowing trees
From a stampede of thoughts in my head
To the thump of footsteps on hot pavement
From creaking doors & utter silence
Enclosing every secret then burning it to ashes
I’m from “that’s the angle now fix your face!”
From church bells, adults tugging me into a crowd
To broken glass & screaming children
Peeling sunburns & blistering feet
From pounding heads & voices drifting
I’m from alcohol breath & juicy gossip
To egg yolk dripping down car windshields
From chasing freedom to being chased
Train tracks & top secret missions
From broken bones & false accusations
I’m from many tears & shattered aspirations
From weirdness or lack of understanding?
Cursed with invisibility, a nonexistent spirit
From constant rejection & loneliness
I’m from dark clothing, “are you sure you’re not lesbian?”
I’m from start guns & panic attacks
The smell of sunscreen & stomach pain
From “I give up” to” it’s around the corner!”
From a racing heart & aching thighs
I’m from praises, but also self-deprecation
I’m from smudged mascara & colored lips
Scissors and hair dye
From tight jeans & tearful eyes
Disapproval & Contradiction
I’m from independence and isolation