I am from New Orleans

where the beat drives my feet

I am from a family

who will always love me

 

no matter how crazy they get

they always encourage

me to do my best

 

I am from homemade Halloween costumes,

And songs in the dark

from walking home in the night

with mommy's hand held tight

 

I am from the smoke

billowing up from a campfire

I'm from Thanksgiving,

camping with family

 

I am from Christmas morning at 3 a.m.

from the sound of my sister jumping on my bed

screaming; get up, get up! the presents are downstairs!

 

I am from that lump under the covers

in the winter when it's cold

 

I am from reading

all day and all night

from a crick in the neck

from reading in bed

with a flashlight

 

i am from finding

my favorite black pants

covered in cat hair

 

from early morning on school days

drinking coffee at the bus stop

I am from struggling grades

to working backup

 

I am from trying hard  

to make things right

To get into school

and do right in life