Where I'm From

I am from a small family,

From too many relatives and siblings.

I am from a home with a warm kitchen and lonely table as a deserted ship.

I am from the fragrant lilac bush,

The butterfly bush

I am from Mexican food and stubbornness,

From my mother and “step-father” and my uncle.

I am from the honesty

And humbleness

From “never given up on life”

And  “good things come to those who wait”.

I am from a Catholic Church.

Who believes in the Virgin Mary.

I’m from Denver, Colorado, Durango, Mexico,

Charro Beans and Menudo.

From my mother leaving home at age 12, the three years of bus ride,

And the 38 years my step- father worked

I am from the people that loved me and love me still, from the ones that come in my life and never left, from the ones that did leave, and pictures on gold frames sitting on top of my dresser.