I am from poverty

from rocks that I played as toy cars.

I am from the house made of earth and straw brick walls, clay tile roofs and soiled floors, from its freshness during the summer and its wet earth smell on rainy days.

I am from the wild cosmos flower valley,

The eight yellow petals and the green stem that covered the entire area.

I am from Saint Franscisto de Asis carnival on October 3rd,

and the strict, the humble and the respect,

from Maria del Carmen

and Esau and the Ayala’s.

I am from going to the field to work on the crops after school

and to feed the horses, donkeys and pigs.

From going to the mountains to cut firewood

and going to the springs in the mountains to bring spring water to drink.

I am from the Catholic church and school,

From going to church every Sunday and from having nun teachers.

I’m from Olinala, from Xixila and Xitopontla Mexico,

From the daily fried eggs with hot sauce breakfast to the refried beans lunch and dinner

From  my aunt Fausta who was said to be a sesame seed of all moles because she would be present in every celebration.

I am from memories stored in the closet,

from my sibling’s school graduations to my sister’ wedding.