I Am From... (Poem)

I am from Lysol and Clorox

From granite countertops and decorative China

I am from an endless sea of smelly mulch

From the palm trees that signal the presence of sandy beaches

Places that most people travel far to see but I can't stand

I am from family prayer, stubbornness and sometimes pride

From God is the only way to get by

I am from working hard and long family parties

And from giving to those in need even if they take advantage from time to time

I am from valuing education and not sharing intimate family details

From we attend church because it's the good and Christian thing

I am from family hugs

From awkward cheek kisses

I am from San Jose, a Costarricenses by birth with a long line of Haitian ancestry

I am from fried plantains and griot

From my parents who refused to let skin color or a language barrier keep them from a piece of the American dream

I am from odd jobs, sleepless nights, and living paycheck to paycheck

From assimilating and getting by to realizing my freedom in Christ

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