I love Where I’m From poems and this is a great one! I liked how you used Spanish in the poem. I wonder if it was necessary to translate the Spanish and how it might change the effect if you were to just leave it and let the reader figure out how to navigate that experience. I could really see and feel the moments you were describing.

Dear Mario,
I really enjoyed reading your poem. Not only was it personal, but it was a piece that I could relate to because I am very familiar with Heights and the details that you included. I also enjoyed learning more about you and really liked when you said, “I’m from the Heights with family from the DR. From a sister who thinks she saw God when she was sick”. This poem spoke to your cultural identity, but also to what makes you you. I look forward to reading more from you!

Dear Mario,

I am amused by your poem, “High up in the Heights” because I feel like you made the reader visualize what it was like to be there. Also because you showed how you feel about being there. One line that stands out for me is, “It’s where all the Spanish people live. I like it, I love it, I live it. Spanish is all on the signs.” I think these lines are powerful because you are talking about the beautiful culture that you will see when walking into the heights. Your poem helps me understand what walking around the heights is like. You described The things you can do there and emotions you can feel. Thanks for your poem. I look forward to seeing what you make next.