Where I'm From Poetry Contest First Place Winner

Rerooting
Belle Ayala

I am from blooming banana trees
Step stone paths,
The scent of bumble bees.
I am from Oye Como Va
Red on rice,
The sound of ethnicity.

I am from The Palace marquee
Stardom child eyes,
The joy of make-believe.
I am from secondhand tap shoes
Tallest in my class,
A fact that would always be.

I am from sweet sixteen
Child raising baby,
Then 21. Then 23.
I am from duplex homes,
Thick brick walls,
A conglomerate of families.

I am from cigarette daydreams
Coat soaked smoke,
The kind that never leaves.
I am from highway drives
Half-blood brother,
A blur of mismatched memories.

I am from undying grief
Matrimony muddled,
A hurt only known to she.
I am from the wreckage,
The rubble

Of a cut down family tree.

I am from the forgotten leaves
Sticks and stones shattering bones,
A future unforeseen.
I am from self-help solace,
Stubbornness and pride,
A passion to grow undying.

I am going to be what I need
A love so deep and blue,
Through time I’ve found,
When no one’s around,
All you have is You.

I will water my garden,
I will nurture my heart,
I will heal from all of the hurt.
I won’t be scared,
I’ll be prepared,
I will put myself first,

I will watch as I paint
Color back into my skies
See love as clear as day.
I will thank whomever,
Gifted me this forever
And a second chance to stay.

I will plant my seeds,
Sew in my ashes,
Watch as I grow in feet,
Bring shade to my child,
In the summer, a swing,
And watch as my love breathes.

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