I am from oregano,

from Payless Shoes and Goya seasonings.

I am from the corner house with the plant Islands,

and smells of Dominican foods.

I am from the empty lake at the end of the road.

The big plum tree,

with the worms in the plums the year we forgot the pesticide.

I’m from tallness and opening Christmas presents the second Christmas starts.

From Mama Maritza and Papa Tulio.

I’m from playing Mariscal and racing to hug Dad when he arrives from work,

and from Movie Fridays.

I’m from es mejor estar solo que mal acompañado and el que busca haya,

and “You are My Sunshine.”

I’m from going to church on Tuesdays and Sundays.

I’m from Trenton, NJ and Dominican Republic.

From Jony in the cupboards,

hiding for a long time.

Pictures telling their own story,

in their overflowing baskets.

There are no all American families, just families that live in America, and
this is mine.