Where I'm From

I am from a sandbox filled with horrible sand castles,

From a coloring book with every page completed,

I am from cartoons early in the morning;

From Barney and Rugrats

With chocolate milk every morning and night before bed

I am from two hearts that came together as one,

A mother whose love could never compare to a father's.

My grandmother who has been like a second mother,

From dirty diapers to stinky bathrooms.

I am from arguments with my brother,

The "leave me alone's" to "I love you" every night.

I am from man hunt outside,

Till late hours with friends around the neighborhood

Those were times that were simple and relaxing,

Times I wish I still had,

Times that I'll never forget..

Now, I am from a mother who I barely see,

A mother who works crazy hours to keep up with bills.

I am from a mother whose heart has been shattered,

With no right way to fix it.

A father who made a decision to tear the family apart.

I am from a family of laughter, to a family of tears and depression.

A mother who continues to hide her pain,

Who hides behind a mask and is afraid to show her true emotions,

With tears marks always running down her cheeks.

I am from a brother who is completely broken,

Who hides his pain by always working and staying out late,

Coming home when everyone is sleeping.

I am from a broken smile,

A smile that is fake and will disappear quickly.

Where I'm from is not that great...

I am from struggling in school,

Not learning as well as other kids,

Being called stupid and dumb.

Most importantly I'm from confidence,

Not caring what other people think.

I am from proving everyone wrong,

From making my family proud of every accomplishment.

This is where I am from,

I am not ashamed of it.

So how about you, where are you from?