Where I'm From

I am from the waves in Southern California,

where the sun’s rays and luminosity are gleaming down,

with the palm trees standing high in the sky.

I am from a state of flourishing nature.

I am from a city of hundreds of malls,

living with a fashionista mother

and a passion for fashion.

I am from fun and popularity.

I am from Excelsior Elementary School.

I am from beating sticks

and wounds from my beloved’s hands.

I am from pain to tears,

from snotty to insecure.

I am from Jimmy Carter Middle School.

I am from hospitals to home

and hospitals to home –

back and forth, and back and forth.

I am from love, found within my best friend,

given faith and hope.

I am from sports and volunteering

and all straight A’s.

My head is held high and I am independent.

I am from low self-esteem to confidence.

I am from Cibola High School.

I am from smiles & laughter

and optimism & strength.

I am from change in the deserts of Albuquerque, New Mexico.