Where I'm From (1/22)

I am from tin washboards,
from the warn-down sponge and the single bar of soap,
I am from the rug fuzz of the upstairs room,
And the dust under the coffee table,
I am from the love of the game,
the sweat and the tears,
I am from the night jasmine and birds of paradise,
the gravel and fertilizer,
the horse back trails along the back.

I'm from tortillas and crucifixes,
from the natives and travelers.
I'm from the stubborn and the strong,
the prideful and graceful.
I'm from the "never follow, lead",
from the "never settle, always strive".
I'm from the strong willed fighters,
and the silent lovers.

I am from the songs of Prince and bank tellers,
refried beans and horchata.
From the pranks on siblings
that lead to injury,
the stiches and bruises.

Memories of rugged hands of my grandfather,
the cotton picker,
the smell of cigars and moth balls.
I am from shelves and shelves full of picture albums,
news clipings of my Papa and Tio.
I am from the athletes and factory workers,
the leaders and the homemakers.