I’m from cold thin air & billowing trees

From a stampede of thoughts in my head

To the thump of footsteps on hot pavement

From creaking doors & utter silence

Enclosing every secret then burning it to ashes

 

I’m from “that’s the angle now fix your face!”

From church bells, adults tugging me into a crowd

To broken glass & screaming children

Peeling sunburns & blistering feet

From pounding heads & voices drifting

 

I’m from alcohol breath & juicy gossip

To egg yolk dripping down car windshields

From chasing freedom to being chased

Train tracks & top secret missions

From broken bones & false accusations

 

I’m from many tears & shattered aspirations

From weirdness or lack of understanding?

Cursed with invisibility, a nonexistent spirit

From constant rejection & loneliness

I’m from dark clothing, “are you sure you’re not lesbian?”

 

I’m from start guns & panic attacks

The smell of sunscreen & stomach  pain

From “I give up” to” it’s around the corner!”

From a racing heart & aching thighs

I’m from praises, but also self-deprecation

 

I’m from smudged mascara & colored lips

Scissors and hair dye

From tight jeans & tearful eyes

Disapproval & Contradiction

I’m from independence and isolation