I am from Precious Angels,

From cassette tapes and Pledge.

I am from the brown bricks and burglar bar doors

Where love was never constrained.

I am from the short blades of grass in the backyard,

The old pecan tree standing in the front

Whose long limbs I remember as if they were my own.

 

I'm from Phase 10 games and curly hair,

From Paw Paw and Grammy.

I'm from Zydeco dancing and Friday night parties

And from the endless hours spent in the kitchen.

I'm from "do it right the first time" and "Momma sista always keeps her promises"

And "The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me"

I'm from the stops at Church's Chicken after the Sunday morning service.

 

I'm from Louisiana and Creole roots

Bowls of gumbo and boudin links

From the determination of Paw Paw to educate

My sister and me on topics he deemed important

The spontaneous photo shoot at the park

From which images illuminate my heart

That showed me to take advantage of every moment

The countless challenges and yet the endless victories, teaching me to stay steadfast

And steadfast in faith I walk, always moving forward.