“THIS IS ME“

I am from watered soil

from sandy beaches and steep mountains

I am from the chirps in the morning and the trains passing by

I am from the Narcissus 

the winter flower that blooms in hope and wealth

I am from dancing in celebration of new life

and empathetic hearts

from Margarita 

and Sandy and Lupe

I am from the spills of laughter in uncomfortable situations

and the thanks for another day

From being told “primero dios y despues todo el mundo”

and “sonriendo te ves mas bonita”

I am from reading a bible verse before bed on top of my mothers nightstand where we would kneel 

I’m from Brooklyn and the Dominican Republic

Mangu and Morro

From the women living across my grandmothers house 

who always seeked comfort in her home

the cases of clothes we’d ship out to families who needed them in the country

and the uncle who fell in love with my aunt when nobody else would 

I am from photos stored in albums and in bags with old layers of

dust

from the baby pictures stored in everyones home.