Where I’m From

Where I’m From

I am from dominoes
from Cafe Bustelo and corner bodegas.
I am from the concrete jungle, tall buildings, cigar smoke, loud music and street fights.
I am from the dandelions and daisies,
the pick, blow and make a wish and the decorations to put in my afro puffs.
I am from huge Sunday dinners and laughter,
from Rosetta
and Joseph and our blended family.
I am from the children putting on shows for the adults in living rooms
and dancing whenever good music is playing.
From it takes a village to raise a child and if you don’t stand up for something you will fall for anything.
I am from Baptist Christian faith. The songs touch the pits of your soul and you shout with your feet.
I’m from the South Bronx where my African American, Japanese, Dominican and Jamaican roots raised me.
Fresh cooked collard greens and tres leches cakes.
The list could go on for days but these hit the spot.
From the Great grandma beat up a man once she was tough and she owned a two barrel shot gun. “Not great-grandma” while laughing
and the Uncle with the slick back ponytail that always wears a cap. Under that cap he was Mr.Clean.
I am from the black and white photos on the wall at my great-grandma’s house in Tapma Florida. The children drawing with chalk on the sidewalks, jumping rope and playing tag. Scraped up knees and Mister Softee ice cream trucks. This may be have been the trenches to some but it has been paradise to me.

                                                                                By: Janee Everett