Where I'm From
May 28, 2019
Story
I am from socks as dust rags,
from play houses and wasps.
I am from the valley.
I am from the scrub oak trees,
the climbing jasmine.
I am from movie nights and curly hair,
from Frank and Carmel.
From “cover your mouth” and “no.”
I am from California, Ireland, and Puerto Rico,
tostonesand spaghetti.
From kids playing outside and
weekend bike rides.
From gang violence and going to school.
I am from Riverside, California,
from the City of Trees,
from the kindness of strangers.