Where I am from

I am from fuel wood so heavy
From sticks and trees now hard to come by
I am from the once pristine countryside
I am from the fast vanishing streak of teak trees
The earth it binds still.
I am from subsistence farming and belabored hands
From Maria and Julius.
From don’t be wasteful and give your best at all times
I am from Crocodile City and beautiful dark complexion
weighty water yam tubers and finest cocoa.
From women and girls so hardworking and
discovering their silenced voices.
From women denied control over community resources and total disrespect for women’s rights and roles.
I am from South Western region of the most populous black nation in the world
From the fountain of imposing knowledge,
From women and girls defying the odds to nurture nature.