i am from blanket tents,
from gain, and vinegar-water.
i am from sunflowers.
tall and stable smiling to the sky
enlighten my mind.

 i am from fathers wisdom

and mothers charm.
from castles made of sheets.
secure and safe.
imaginary friends to help feel cared for.

i am from scarred arms and sleepless nights.
starved and imprisoned
i am from “candy” and cigarettes.
from wonderlands.
so bitter and surreal.
the habit seems to over-weigh the hustle.
but mother always finds a way.

from gentle and stubborn
acidic words and alienated conscience
witty  and soul-searching.
we were fated to pretend.