I am from dirt
from softball and food
I am from the small desert
that is hot during the summer day
I am from the bushes
The pine trees whose long limbs I remember
as if they were my own

I am from cookouts on Sunday and laughing
from tio’s and tia’s
I’m from laughing and loving
and from enjoying time

I’m from “Tiende tu cama” and “Comer todo
lo que hay en su plato”
and, “Don’t let anybody bring you down”
I’m from celebrating every birthday
I’m from New Mexico and Chihuahua, Mexico
From Menudo and tacos
From the time we went to Santa Monica,
getting knocked down by the huge waves.
The necklace that my grandma gave me
and I wear on my neck.