I Am
I’m from brick pavers,
from soft grass under bare feet
I’m from rope swings and underdogs,
“Again dad, again!”

I’m from cobblestone roads,
I’m from 90 degrees and high humidity
“Hey y’all”’s and ocean days
Brushing the sand from my bronzed feet

Charleston strong
This city holds my heart
Gullah culture and sweetgrass baskets
Angel oak tree, branches far and wide
unlike my family tree

I’m from forehead scars,
Broken bones and broken ties
From “you don’t have to, you get to”
and support systems like no other

I’m from the stars in the sky,
admired by two little girls and their dad
I’m from bonfires at the neighbor's house
from grape Koolaid quickly gulped

I’m from camping trips with Kayla
from Ramen noodles and EasyMac
I’m from nights of playing cards
From splitting a Pepsi after school

I’m from summer nights
Coming inside when it gets dark
I’m from laughter with my best friends
the girls I consider family

I’m from a mom who worries too much
From a dad who loves me strongly, but quietly
I’m from a family that pushes me
Always lifting me when I fall