Where I'm From

I am from socks as dust rags,

from play houses and wasps.

I am from the valley.

I am from the scrub oak trees,

the climbing jasmine.

I am from movie nights and curly hair,

from Frank and Carmel.

From “cover your mouth” and “no.”

I am from California, Ireland, and Puerto Rico,

tostonesand spaghetti.

From kids playing outside and

weekend bike rides.

From gang violence and going to school.

I am from Riverside, California,

from the City of Trees,

from the kindness of strangers.

Photo credit: Carrie Sloan