Where I’m From

I am from a time where all that was seen was broken faucets, 

broken lockets, with broken pockets.

I am from where there were burned homes, 

Red and Blue territory, and hatred strong like a fragrance.

I am from malnourished trees, grass with no leaves,

And a few good roses.

I’m from handshakes, hugs, pencils and papers.

    From veterans of the street known as Mom and Dad.

I’m from the mindset of “it is what is is”

    And what is isn’t, isn’t what it’s all meant out to be.

 I’m from “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

    and naked I will depart.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

I’m from where ribeye’s and chicken was unattainable.

    From the diabetes that my grandmother has to use a needle to press or,

the high blood pressure, that took my grandfather.

In my attic there are the very images

That tell forgotten stories, forgotten memories, and forgotten worries.

Sometimes intentional or unwanted.

I am from the lesser beginnings where food was hardly there,

Lesser priorities, where survival was most important,

Empty thoughts, empty minds, empty dreams

Unfulfilled for the safety net of a future family and future generation,

Where the only thing left for me, my Mom, and my Dad

Was God and salvation.

I am from lesser beginnings, which have fanned the flame

Of the inspiration, the admiration, the appreciation, 

For the beginnings that were the entrance to a new chapter,

Meant to contain a new life, a new love, new goals

    That are no longer seen as imaginary.

I am from a family fueled by love,

Hope, and Faith.