Where I’m From

by Skyy Woodroffe

I am from coloring pencils,

from Bratz dolls and BR Fruit Gloss.

I am from the yellow house and brown fence

I am from the red-seeded dandelions

the amaryllis’ and green grass

I am from summer cookouts

and toughness,

from Jamillah

and Denise and Delphina.

I am from nurses

and artists

From “you get what you get and you don’t get upset”

and “you kids go out and play in the backyard”.

I am from Christianity.

runs deep in my family.

I’m from African Americans and Trinidadians,

soul food and Caribbean food.

From the story of my dad coming to the United States,

the time my family and I went to Virginia beach every spring break,

and the first time my mom went to Trinidad & Tobago.

I am from the brown cabinet full of family photographs

strong, powerful, and amazing.