I’m From: Lisa

I am from the branches of the mango trees

from the hot sun that has marred me with its rays

I am from the dirt in the backyard that I played in

the yellow tub I bathed in

I am from sweet custard and cold homemade ice cream

The Croaking roosters, and tall peach trees

long juicy sugar cane, pine tart, and sapodilla

 

I’m from My Little “b” Book

From read it out loud

from “she’s too stubborn”

And there’s a time for everything,

A time to laugh, a time to play

I’m from church on Saturdays

And breaking a verse in the Bible

From thou anointest my head with oil

To my cup runneth over.

 

I’m from Archie’s Weird Mysteries, and Arthur

From getting spoon-fed by my grandma

Cookup rice, chowmein, and pepper pot

From the games of tag played with my brother and sisters

To running on the track

engineered by every race won and lost

I am from long strong legs

That carried me through countless 400s, 800s and 1000s

 

I am from the dirt in cross country,

The steep woods, and wet mulch

I am from early mornings and late nights

From Rise and shine school! School!

And waking up at 4:30 everyday

I am from move, let’s go

I am from 4-hour commutes everyday

I am from the breeze when I run

my spikes on the track, the baton in my hand

I am from the gun that starts the race

And the anxiety in my heart

 

I am from a hardworking, strong-minded beautiful mother

Who says she wants to run away from us, but never does

From a sensitive and caring older sister who always stands up for us

To a generous, and thoughtful second older sister

A kind, and loving older brother

To an annoying, but helpful, creative, and beautiful little sister

And a motivational aunt who wants to show us the world

And wants nothing but the best for all of us

I’m from the fights and tears

To the jokes, laughs, and smiles

I’m from the only people who will ever truly understand me

 

I am from Hurricane sandy

From homework done by candlelight

Boiling buckets of water

I am from grandma’s fall

Sick foot and hospital visits

I am from happiness, love, and excitement

To she is gone, loss, and disappointment

I’m from water, sweat and tears

 

I am from the pictures taken by my aunt

Stored under her glass table

From the videos taken back in 2004

I am from those memories

Those single moments that will stay with me forever

I am from learning new experiences

To remembering my past

I am from growth, change and prosperity