I’m from space heaters and tiny teddy bears, and giant ones, too.
I’m from a down-South spacious backyard with a vegetable garden, from skating down the church’s driveway, naps in the school bus, and from collecting shoeboxes full of live snail families in the dirt outside the 5 train.
I’m from the Bronx
from the 2 and the 5, and
the taxi men standing at the corner.
I’m from my Mom, my Grandma, and my siblings.
I’m from the loud ones
I’m from Go to bed! and If you don’t get this room cleaned I’m going to take your phone.
I’m from Christianity, God, and this Scripture on top of my dresser:
Be still and know that I am with you. Psalm 46:10.
I’m from the city and the country, from New York and Greensboro.
I’m from Auntie graduating from college with her associate’s degree in criminal justice.
I’m from old photos backed up for memories.
