I am from Venezuela. 

A place like paradise full of happiness 

The smell of Pan de jamon and coffee from the bakery downstairs  

Children playing soccer and baseball everywhere 

I’m from playing Hot wheels with my neighbor Francisco 

The radio in the parking lot always playing the news of the baseball game. 

I’m from Arepas and Tequenos 

I’m from a country that never sleeps 

people playing salsa and bachata music at night 

I’m from Venezuela, a hell of a place full of criminal violence. 

A place where you can’t use your smartphone because you could be robbed at any time 

A place where you always have to keep an eye on your surroundings because people may stalk you and rob you. 

A place where you heard from your parents that a relative was kidnapped. 

I’m from Guangzhou China 

A place that doesn’t snow but it still gets very cold during the winter. 

I’m from getting up at 6:30 am to get ready for school and won’t get home from school until 5:00 pm 

I’m from endless after-school and weekend concert band practice 

I’m from strict house rules from grandma 

I’m from Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn 

Where Ukrainians, Russians and Chinese people live 

Seafood markets and sushi restaurants 

I’m from the Deli store across the street from my house 

I’m from the Q train