from Threshold and Casaluna.  

I am from the hardworking 

comfy, residence.

It felt snug.

I am from the Lobelia, 

the Erinus Alpinus. 

Small, but beautiful.

I’m from the dances of my ancestors and stubborn. 

From Eddie Amataga and Rena Faagau 

and Persia Amataga.

I’m from the generational trauma and 

repression of emotions.

From “You’re too big” and 

“You are stupid”. 

I’m from the parable of the mustard seed, 

hymns about devotion to God

I’m from the City and the Pacific Islands, 

Palusami and Kalo. 

From the migration of my Grandmother 

bringing 10 of her siblings 

including their individual families 

to America with the help of only one of her brothers, 

the dedication my mother put into raising my sister and I. 

The framed photos lie on the living room wall 

of my high school graduation, 

happy memories from a time long ago

I am from the hard work of my parents,

I am Pele.

From Starbucks and Peets

I am from the The coast, Cloudy but calm

it feels cold

I am from the sunflower,

the  Rose red,but lovely

I’m from the weekend parties and fun and stubborn

from Aurelia Rodriguez and Lorenzo Perez

and Javier Rodriguez

I’m from the anemia and arthritis

From”you’re to young” and do it by yourself now”

I’m from Our Lady of The Pillar

,  In the name of our father,son, and holy spirit.

I’m from The Bay Area and Mexico.

Tamales and Atole.

From the Immigrant who crossed the border because she knew she wanted to give her kids a better life than she got the oldest sibling in our family to help us in stuff he might know that we don't know.

All the pictures we have on the wall of all of us graduating high school.

I am from A hard working single mother,

 I am Melani.

I am from desks, 

From Target and Walgreens 

I am from the bart noises from a block away, 

(dark, foggy, it smells like nature.) 

I am from the Jalapeno pepper plant 

The oak tree 

That would spread so wide it looked like a hug, 

I am from the pupusa making and huge gatherings, 

From Ariana and Ronnie, 

And Cynthia 

I’m from the overthinkers and the determined 

From gather all of the dishes and bring me the tools 

I'm from say how many hail marys, 

But I just don’t know yet 

I'm from Daly City and El Salvador 

Pupusas and tamales 

From the husband my grandmother lost 

To the determination to build a better life after 

El Salvador 

I am from all of these people, places, foods, smells    

from my mother and her heart  

I am from the south side of SF

Sunny,  with the sun shining

It _feels like spring mixed with summer

I am from the colorful petals, 

The marvelous lilies 

with its showered leaves dripping down its stem 

I’m from the roots of the Philippines and blood

From the Espadillas and Liwanag 

And a little ittie bittie from the Jordans

I’m from the colorful beaches and oceans and 

he beautiful city of Manila

From screaming into tantrums and 

being over dramatic

I’m from the variety of spectacular and extraordinary traits, 

inherited from the witches in my ancient-hood

I’m from the city of San Francisco

cultural cuisines and local cooking.

From the Filipino American that came to the US as a fiver year old

The overachiever when being handed with all the opportunities that were listed in front of her.

San Francisco, California 

I am from an Americanized and diversified family that was able to adapt easily in America.

‘Where am I from?’
The question echos amongst
The winds that chatter so loudly from left and right
It’s strange to see that
Nobody knows but often people guess
As my complexion seems foreign to them
And my curly hair seeming unsymmetrical and interesting To those who watch my every movement, cautious
They ask ‘what am I?’ or ‘what are you mixed with’
Which shouldn’t bug me but like mosquitoes being drawn To flesh that is just waiting to be stabbed and drawn from, It gets annoying and a little infuriating
The questions continue to surround me as if
They were swarms of bees protecting their home

‘Where am I from?’
I questioned once more to the vast crowd that suddenly becomes silent My answer to such a question is complex but I know who I am.
I know that the color of my skin tells the story of the warmth and love That my childhood had held with good food and company
The curls in my hair shows how damaging
It is to change who you are on the outside to please others
As each strand of different lengths have a different story
I know what people mean when they ask these questions
But I appreciate the idea that I know who I am,
I know where I’m from

From, Suavitel and Zote 

I am from the birds in the gardens

(colorful, chirpy, soft)

I am from the spearmint, 

The pumpkin which grows endlessly

 budding flowers

I’m from the Mole and glasses

From Blanca and Salvador and Alex

I’m from the yammers and cookery

From speak ups and loosen-ups

I'm from Santa Marias and rosary in hand

I’m from busy and green lands

Tortilla from The Molino and 

Salsa de Huevo

From the life, my grandmother lost to the car

The effort was done by my mother to thrive

In a new space 

On the fridge for all to see, photos from 

The past

I am from the good, the bad, Hard times, 

and fun times to bloom Anew

 

I am from Latino dance, 

from reggeaton and bachata.

I am from the small bedroom that has witnessed my true self,

cozy, private. 

It feels like you are the only person in the world 

I am from the rose bush, 

the hybrid tea roses,

whose petals look delicate but have stems that protect from harm.

I’m from the chicken tamales and curly heads, 

from Milagros and Mario, 

I’m from the open minders and 

hard workers. 

From speak up, I’m too quiet and 

break out of my shell.

I’m from Our father who art in heaven, 

the father, son, and holy spirit.

I’m from San Francisco but come from a multiracial background, 

Frijoles and white rice. 

From my uncles cruising down on  24th and Mission,

to my mom’s rebellious phase in her youth.

Memories big and small hung up on a beige, plain wall.

I am from brave immigrants who gave me a life where I can spread my wings and be free. 

I am from multiple cultures.

I am kind and friendly. 

I am Jenily Garcia. 

 

from flour and water 

I am from the apartment 

safe, crammed 

It tasted sweet 

I am from the plant 

the tree

tall

I'm from the dumplings and unorganized 

from sister and cousin and mom 

I'm from the arguing and shopping 

From do well in school and get a good job 

I'm from San Francisco,

wontons and lychee.

At an outdoor pond with trees on my work table

I am from Asian American 

I am from the beige and brown outside walls, the uncoordinated random furniture,

Old fashioned home 

It felt cold in winter nights

I am from the orchid flower and the carnation 

The orchid flower with unique structure, the carnation flower with beautiful colors and lots of petals 

I’m from eating 12 grapes once it hits 12 on New Year's and brown eyes 

From Rosa, Joel and Maria 

I’m from sympathizing with others and crying when getting angry 

From “El Niño dios te ayuda  si hablas con él” and "Tienes que ser una niña buena”

I’m from a lack of catholic beliefs 

From a mother who believes in the catholic community and a father who hates it as well as non-religious siblings 

I’m from El Monte California and Mexican, 

Pozole and chilaquiles

From a boy who accidentally ate chicken poop 

the girl who ran away to be with her boyfriend. 

The scattered pictures of family members in front of the living room

I am a frank ocean and Mac Miller fan, who’s love language is quality Time and gift giving,

 a girl who feels disconnected from her Mexican roots 

from the smell of  lavender and rose 

I am from the leaves scattered around in my backyard 

veined and narrow, 

It looks like leaves being piled up on each other creating a small hill. 

I am from the Tulip 

the  Bell-shaped flower with three petals and three sepals 

I’m from the special greetings and a female to be living in the domestic lifestyle

from Nadeem Piracha and Roohi Nadeem 

and Ansab Piracha 

I’m from the moments of arguments and moments bonding

From the time my brother was born I lost the title of “the baby” and 

expectation of being a guide for my younger sibling’s lives. 

I’m from the crescent moon and stars, 

the islamic calendar following the cycles of the moon phases as the days go by 

I’m from Lahore, 

the smell of Pakoras and Biryani. 

From the origin of my name, from my grandmother, who's name starts with F, just like mine. 

the two hands holding together, my mother, my best friend. 

From the view over the whole world, standing on the hill, seeing the sparkles lighting on the building and streets.   

I am from San Pablo, a girl with many talents, a kind-hearted soul  looking for a way to achieve a dream of her own.  

from Disney and Starbucks

I am from the childhood home at the end of the cul de sac 

Big, warm, always filled with people and food

It sounded like family joy and laughter

I am from the big tree in the backyard,

the one I use to climb 

big, green, and home to many friends

I’m from the family dinners and determination

from Angie and Craig and Marley

I’m from the strong-willed and family comes first

From ”Always try your best” and ”you are perfect just the way you are” 

I’m from catholic teachings, 

but decided to start a new path 

I’m from California, Ireland, and Italy,

Pasta, pizza, and bread.

From the hardships my grandparents endured to come here 

the sacrifices made by my family.

Memories safe in google photos

I am from the love, kindness, and twists and turns that are passed down from generation 

 

From all pigments and complexities of the world.

I am from kinks and curls,

Ancestors spiraling and saying hello.

I am form a line of independent-boss women,

Relying on no one to play a role.

I am from setbacks, 

To bounce backs then recover.

I am from the forever chip on my shoulder, 

The chip to succeed.

To earn a millionaire salary,

So I can provide for my family.

I am from a seed of men and women who come in variety,

A bunch of minorities.

I am from a culture,

A billion dollar commodity. 

I am from separating myself from others.

I am from creating my own narrative.

I am Dalia.

from Nike and Vans 

I am from the side by side houses in the city of the golden gate

Welcoming, warm

It sounded musical 

I am from the dandelion ,

the birds of paradise 

Vibrant orange, colors of summer 

I’m from the backyard barbeques and round, moon like faces from Sarun and Evangeline

And Angela 

I’m from eating meals together and 

Praying together 

From “Always do your best” and

“Don’t think someone is better than you” 

I’m from Buddha,

Where good behavior leads to enlightenment 

I’m from Walnut Creek, but also Cambodia and the Philippines 

Nom Bahn Chok and Dinuguan

From my grandparents escaping from the Khmer Rouge to my grandpa training with the 

armed forces in vietnam.

Photographed under the big picture frame by Mildred Howard in Hunters Point, SF.

I am from a place of Asian Kings and Queens, where their aspirations and determination strive to live in us. A place of comfort and solitary. A place of my own! 

I am from a very ordinary family 

From where my brother and I grew up 

I am from a very big city where the city lights made The sky illuminate at night 

It sounded like a dream, whenever the fireworks exploded in the air 

I am from the country where the Andes mountains surrounds us; 

The orchids vividly bloom all year 

I’m from a rich coffee making country;

Where the smell of coffee beans wakes you up every morning.

From my great grandma to my mom; they always taught us how to appreciate our culture. 

I’m from the family that always thought that discipline was first;

From where I learned how to make my own decisions and choices;

I’m from a family who is always protected by god and la virgencita.

I’m from Bogota; where all the happy smiles make up for the happiest country in the world.

Tamales and arepas con queso cannot be forgotten on any occasion.

From the hardships I faced growing up and losing a family member, I really hope my father and sister are still proud of me. 

I am from Colombia, where carnivals and food bring diversity into the country; home of many endangered species who we have managed to save; home of the best coffee in the world. 

I’m from the family of  eating dinner together and

doing chores

From being told to not talk to strangers in public and

I’m from Buddhism,

I’m from The Bay Area,

Eating Dim Sum and Rice.

From the Brother that has a child and

The Brother that has the same hobby as you.

 

I am from notebooks

from Norcom, Inc. and  F.S.C

I am from the white small wooden table, dusty

It looked very lonely and secretive

I am from the soil,

the Radiant Hummingbird Mint 

I’m from the bowling alleys we love to play together and competitive

from my mother Alberta

I’m from the suffering of miscomunicatio and

Avoiding conflict

From having people who love me around me and supporting anyone that might need my help

I’m from Christianity, raised to be forgiving.

I’m from California, chicken adobo and tamales.

From the mom I had that wasn’t able to communicate her actual feelings. 

the hopeful supports from my eldest sister, Anitra.

My high school graduation with my sisters and mom while I stand in the middle.

I am from the Bay Area, my name is Ciara, kind worlds are the only things I speak to those who lisiten and know my honest truth. Love is the only thing I try to reassure myself I deserve. My self-worth is more than just my looks or fears  of failure. I know my boundaries. I know my life is beautiful and should be shared and explored by others.