A writing piece that I loved
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 everyone’s home.