I am from warm cookies cooling on the counter,

from stuffed animals and chocolate on my mother’s desk.
I am from a pink front door that greets everyone as they come in.

I am from a rose and a pumpkin whose petals are
beautiful and fragile and whose skin is rough and strong. 
I am from movie marathons and good books,
from Leslie (dad) and Stephanie (mom).

I am from fish tacos for Thanksgiving and Cajun food at Christmas
whose spice combos will set your mouth on fire.
I am from El Paso ,TX and Billie Davidson (my grandfather)
From lime cake and apple pie.
From the bringing of slaves on slave ships and the gospel music of the church
I am from my stuffed kitty to my Uncle Even.
I am from these things and events that make me who I am inside and out.
poetry