I’m from dirty stairs and a careless mother,
hated and forgotten, alone and hurt.
I’m from finding love that came to me,
being accepted, belonging to something bigger.

I am from lightening bugs and box turtles,
from barefoot days and campfire nights,
strawberry stains and gold curly waterfalls,
from Barbie dolls and Sesame Street.

I’m from moving lives, moving repetition,
from goodbyes and tears and I’ll see you soons,
from strange people, strange streets, strange house,
a princess stuck in a ghetto prison.

I’m from bus rides and bullies,
from first puppies and field trips to the park,
from babysitters and pizza pockets,
from only seeing mom and dad on a timer.

I am from loved friends and friends who love,
From first loves to broken hearts and loneliness,
From bus rides and MP3 players,
Belonging to a rebel society that conforms me to society’s standards.