I am from a home, not too big, not too small
Surrounded by foliage that conceals it.
I am from my Palestinian roots,
You can tell by my taste buds and olive skin.
I am from having a name nobody can pronounce and having hair that I have snipped off and barely weighs an ounce.

I am from being told who I should be
And never asked who I want to be.
I am from always taking the blame
To being people’s punching bag.
I am someone’s excuse, someone’s no one.
I am from a relationship that tarnished overtime like a necklace.
From loving one passionately only to be abandoned by them.
I am from let down after let down, but always persevering.

I am from a busy life, always working
Coming home from a noisy bagel shop
Smelling like bagels and black coffee
To finally unwind by slowly strumming my sweet guitar,
to singing my heart out.
I am from self expression.

I am from strength.
From cancer to survivor,
From follower to leader,
I am from no limits.
I am from a roller coaster life.
Although it gets hectic at times,
It will always be where I am from.