"Where I’m From," by Laila L.

I am from hair grease,

from Shea Moisture and Blue Magic.

I am from a loud house,

always people talking and something going on.

I am from the hot sun, palm trees,

and that warm air you don’t get here.

I am from respect and how I was raised,

like you don’t talk back and you carry yourself as your told

from my mom and my grandma and my family,

always telling stories and saying the same things over and over.

I am from loud voices and loud energy,

but the intention is love.

From “Don’t forget where you come from”

and “Watch how you act.”

I am from church and prayer,

it’s just part of me.

I’m from Jamaica, but I live here,

jerk chicken and rice and peas.

From visiting and it feeling normal,

hearing everyone talk different,

but I still understand it.

I am from old pictures and stories,

stuff that happened before me

but it’s still my heritage.

I am from roots that didn’t start here,

but still come with me everywhere I go.

I am from two places at once,

and both of them made me who I am.