I am from sunny yellow and spinach green food trucks that are barely known, from Macks and Peterbilt trucks that have the constant smell of oil and gas.

I am from the old blue house on the second floor that I have lived in since I was born, yellow cars and orange basketballs everywhere dropping to which sounds of bombs can be heard from down stairs

I am from the backyard of shooting the rock and smashing the ants.

I am from the Aunt Jemima pancakes, soft and fluffy for everyone to enjoy, with syrup sweeter than chocolate ice cream.

I am from the world of venus fly traps getting rid of the constant pests, to roses big enough to soothe the most broken heart.

I am from getting together for the biggest smile for the cousin birthday, and helping out with the warmest hug when times get tough, from grandma Jean and grandpa William taking care of the McCormick clan.

I am from keeping to myself, quiet as a sleeping cat, yet sneaky as a mouse while I persevere through puberty, and peer pressure, now I have awaken into a lion who will fight for what he wants no matter what stands in my way.

From being told I am born from greatness, I am the son of a king, and I too shall rise up from the poverty, drugs, and violence that devours my generation just as a hungry pitbull that devours a steak.

From playing the guitar all day and all night till my fingers bleed, and creating music that is so calm that the most tense and agitated heart will feel its reach for peace.

I am from wearing an Ankh everyday to show pride in my ancestor's religion, showing they still live on within and through me.

I'm from Newark, New Jersey the place of constant noise of motorcycles going down streets, that are loud as an atomic bombs, with hoodrats right around the corner from where you eat italian hot dogs and cheeseburgers from the nearest bodega.

From the time my grandfather left Cuba on the nearest boat to come to America for opportunity, the time he met my grandmother with the biggest smile wearing his most stylish shoes and attire birthing 2 kids, and the time he died before he saw my mom who cried out for her dad.

I am from Newark, where my grandma owns a house that holds many of grandpa William badges that he earned in the Army for his undying courage and bravery in protecting his country, upholding the constitution, assuring our freedoms just Martin Luther for our race.

Carrying over into raising his boys and leading them with an iron fist, yet a warm and tender heart. Watching over the inmates in the prison in which he worked, determined it would never become their fate.

And now I sing my diverse America where people of all color walk for a better tomorrow. Regardless of race, religion, or gender are able to work long and hard for their goals. Sweating bullets all the time they waste at work, to achieve the American dream. Never seeing their kids taking their first step and saying their first word. Yet this is my home and I'm proud of it.