Where I Am From

I Am From
I am from pens,
from BIC in a new package and
From tear stains on paper.
I am from the empty house that
Sounds like disappointment and feels
Like prison.
I am from stifled creativity and
Pig- headed conservatives.
I am from putting each other down
And court hearings.
From a sister with
A knife and another with a baby.
I am from velvet dresses and
Baptist churches.
From not being allowed to think for myself.
I am from “You’ll never make it!” and
“You might as well just kill yourself.”
I am from one school and one family to another,
Trying to find somebody to love me.
I am from burnt pictures and memories,
Trying to forget and trying to remember.
I am from a dad with no name and a mom that
Didn’t want me.
I am from making it on my own.