I’m from the neighborhood where the neighbors chatter,

from the streets with families taking walks with no worries.

I’m from the deformed basketball hoop in my driveway

from the backyard where I play baseball with friends to burn the time

I am from a family of three older brothers who guided the way

from where both parents cook and help us with school and college prep

I am from what some people say is the “perfect” neighborhood, since there is no illegal activity or wanted fugitives

from not having to see red and blue lights beaming outside my house.

I am from the dark road at night because of no street lights

from the untroubled pets who do not bite

I am from the street that’s the quietest place on earth where loud it is not

...still from the neighborhood where the neighbors chatter,

the streets where families walk without worry

and the deformed basketball rim in my driveway.