from candles, and tsinelas. 

I am from the home in Laveen where the smell of freshly cooked adobo makes you hungry.

I am from the cacti in my neighborhood and the neighbor’s large tree who’s long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.

I’m from family karaoke and Filipino family parties, from my parents Misty and Manuel.

I’m from lolos and lolas, and titos and titas gossiping in Tagalog and struggling over math homework at the dinner table.

I’m from “Always put in your best effort” and “Don’t be lazy.”

I’m from greeting your older family members with pagmamano. I’m from Arizona, where it goes above 110 degrees in the summer, and my family is from the Philippines. 

I'm from how hard my grandparents worked to move to where I am, and how their food always holds a soft spot in my heart. 

I am from my early memories kept in the pictures along the hallway walls, and the recycled shoe box in the corner of my closet.

 

 

Not knowing the future in my palms.

From the whispers of expectations,

 to the subtle comfort of the graceful soft  hands that held me.

Hearing a voice like a fluttering feather.

I’m from the smell of citrus after an argument,

Or the crushing feeling of failing.

Into a deep burnout in which I wasn’t ready for.

I’m a child of the blazing heat, the chirping in the sun as it shines down on me,

From two realities, one explorational, one hidden and silent.

I’m from the protectors who tried to shield me as I learned the truth.

I’m from comfort, and from the struggles.

I’m from the ancestors who ventured to get here, and yet I cannot feel any remorse.

Where I was told to cherish, and to thank.

I’m from the one who used to be brave and strong.

But is now a withering shell.

I’m from the “Do-this” and “do-thats” that I struggled to complete.

I’m from my parents who love me even when I’m wrong.

But, I’m also from the little enjoyments.

I’m from the yelling for supper, and the table we shared.

I’m from staying up late to get a high-score, 

And the paintings that show my passion.

I’m from the music in my blood, and the fire my parents gave.

I’m from Gratitude, and being happy with my life.

I’m from being strong, but also emotional.

I’m from the world.

 From different types of glasses and a freezing cold a/c

 I am from the big tannish brown house

Smelling like fried chicken that was made the night before

 I am from the cotton blanket my mom gave me 

The excessively large tree whose long gone limbs 

I remember as if they were my own.

I’m from soul food and always playing a sport  

From my mom and my grandma

 I’m from complaining about everything but not doing anything about it and throwing big parties and 

from and having to deal with annoying little cousins.

I’m from playing uno the wrong way and having to tell people I didn’t want a doll for my birthday 

And listening to Mrs. Jackson and return of the Mack back-to-back

 I’m from a family that likes to eat I’m from a hospital where babies are born 

And mostly black people and barbecue

 From the time I cut my finger trying to cut an orange, my mom was horrified but my grandma was on the phone helping us out or my first family reunion, it was fun and I met a lot of cousins annoying and fun the reunion was in California it was my first time there. 

From diploma's, plats and Awards that are hung up on walls

I am from the two story house that houses 6

To the smell of fried chicken, greens, .and cornbread

I am from the white roses that are in the center vase on the kitchen counter, the big green tree whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.

I am from thanksgiving at my grandmas , and Christmas parties at my house 

I am From Tracey, and De'Andre

I am from helping others and being supportive, from always on time and late once in awhile 

I am from believing in Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and singing the song  twinkle twinkle little star i am from going to church every Sunday, and singing in the choir

I'm from celebrating new years, and entering the year like it a new beginning 

I am from banner university hospital while my grandma is from panama and my grandpa is from organ

I am from my great grandma raising 7 children and graduating college while two of her sons was sick and one  dying 

I am from a hard working family that all have degrees 

I am from the sports and academic certificates that hangs on the front of my bed in my room 

I am from the stranger things posters on my walls, to the bath and body works on my shelf 

I am from speaking in crowded places, from sharing loving memories with people who I am not related to.