I am from Sadie Smith and Juan Delgado,
from a little village where little kids run and play.
Rice and beans with a side of pork cooking at 4pm.
I am from Jonathan and Melissa
taking care of this newborn as she falls
fast asleep in their arms,
out for the night.
I am from stray cats that roam
my backyard crying for food and water,
from dogs running around trying to
swipe them up for dinner.
I am from a dog name Che-Che
and a cat name Smokey
who run around playing
as if they were Milo and Otis.
From Janiahiys saying “Dada”
instead of the one
who cared for her for nine months.
I am from seven aunts and uncles
who bicker back and forth,
from nana who repeats herself,
“Can’t we all just get along?”
I am from nieces and nephews
that fight and scream over
one simple toy even though
there’s millions.
I am from rain hitting
my window waking me
up in the middle of the night
and thunder booming
louder than a stereo.
From the splashing noise of puddles
as cars rush through them.
Most of all,
I am from a wonderful place
where I can be myself,
from a family who’s there
for me no matter what.
