Where I'm From

I am from the ocean sand From rap music and white Nikes I am from the soil under the tall green plants Blooming where they were planted I am from the coughing You hear at night Asthma not letting me sleep tight Turn on the machine again for one more night I'm from Tupac and Eazy E From Macklemore and Ice Cube I'm from that well known language And that beat in the bass that hits Every second in the background I'm from the struggle Where there's no food at times Dear Mama, it's okay dont cry I'm from Compton and Perris Backyard BBQ's and warm coffee From the cheap alcohol my father used to drink What a coward The closed door that kept us hidden from him My closest doors full of pictures and magazine pages Helping me remind me of those that I've met And those that I've lost And that person i want to be I am made up of these pictures Each a snap shot of my youth This is where I'm from