I am from heat waves and long days
I am from Abuelos , Abuelas , Primos y Amigos
I am from stray dogs but no stray cats
I am from mango and passion fruit trees filling the streets with marvelous sweet aromas
I am from villages not cities
I am from mountains and hills
I am from block parties that don’t include one block but one whole village
I am from where our complexion is oddly opposite but yes we’re related
I am from where we walk a mile to reach a corner store
I am from laughter and joyfulness filling the air and hearts of all around us
I am from Adobo , Sazon and Sofrito
I am from Patellios , Arroz con Gandules and Pollo frito
I am from the myths of el chupacabra
I am from salsa , bachata and merengue
I am from novelas
I am Villalba , Puerto Rico.