I’m from a life

of instability

and moving

I’m from years

of finding my place

then being forced

to do it again

I’m from a house

of sprawling hallways

and a bridge connecting rooms

I’m from a family

of high expectations,

the pressure;

overwhelming

I’m from

so many family members

it would take years

to name them all

I’m from a life

of anger

and fears,

unwanted friendships,

and betrayal

I’m from a house

in which

my way to escape

is with music in my ears

and a good book in my hands

I’m from a body

in which

I am so encased in my fears,

trapped,

so there is barely room to breathe

I’m from a disease

that doesn’t want to go away

and I am constantly reminded

to watch out

and never be careless

I’m from weirdness

never quite fitting in

but knowing

that it’s ok

to be different

even when people push me down

I know

to get back up

dust myself off

and walk away

with a triumphant smile on my face

I’m from a world

in which

it is either

stay strong

or die

I’m from many cities

many houses

but only one home

I’m from a lineage

of artists

and that’s what

I strive to be