I am from the apartments, from sharing a room and living cramped I am from the loud arguments, the bitter taste in my mouth I am from the cactus, its’ prickly thorns attached the dark rose, its’ petals slowly wilting I am from eating dinner together and a loud volume From John and Sonia and Gloria I am from the stress and expectations From not letting it get to you and ignoring it I am from self taught Christianity, and talks with God at night I’m from Portugal, Venezuela, and Columbia Cheese Bread and Empanadas From the forklift accident, the recovery, and the epileptic Grandma I am from the strength of the women in my family I am from the stacks of paperwork I am from a course of self-discovery and awareness I am from the first generations journey to succes