I am from hunting and being hunted
From being both the prey and the predator
I am from being tormented then the tormentor
Being owned but also owning the owned

I am from 'now thy lay me down to sleep' Saturday nights
To gospel singing Sunday mornings,
with fancy dresses and shined wedges
From memorized holy scriptures
And compulsorily faith in "the word"

I am from many branches of generosity
Despised for 2nd thoughts on my own sanity
Yet praised for 1st thoughts on other's
From great roots of self-astern
Taught I was, to grow into something I could love at age 13

I am from success obsession
From education being the only way out
I'm from the smart-alecks and narcissistics
Where respect is your prestige
Reputation, the game

I'm from money hungry
The go get it's or die tryin'
From you could have had it if u wanted it bad enough
From the unlucky
Indeed, chances aren't given, they're taken

I'm from places that try to assign my character
And grant me my integrity
From obviously confused places
Because where I'm from doesn't always play a role
In where I'm going.