Where I'm From

I am from rag dolls, princesses and teddy bears,

From Fruit Loops and boxed Cracker Jacks.

I am from unmatched, dirty socks sliding on slippery marbled floors.
I am from shiny black curls turning to straight dark hair.
And from disguising with costumes for dancing to the melody of the piano notes.
I am from sunny trips to the beach, and to Disney World,
(Where all your dreams were supposed to come true).

I am from the little, red flowers,
which I used to make necklaces;
and loud dog barks.
From wind hitting my face while playing outside.  

The charming cherry tree in Grandma’s backyard 

Whose cherries I collected and ate

Whenever I could.

I am from family dinners, talks and wise advice,
from dark hair and intelligence.

From Laurencio and Sandra
And Jaen-Dominguez;

From Mom’s reprimands and tight, loving hugs.

I am from the strong shouting across the house,

and memorable smiles and laughter between siblings.

From Don’t bite your nails! Stop goofing around!
And Continue trying!         

I am from Our Father and Holy Mary prayers

Before going to sleep every night,
From Angel de la Guardia 

and First Communion.

I’m from the proud, independent Panamanian Isthmus.

From lactose-free milk and freshly baked bread.

From the Alzheimer digging into my Grandfather-

So much information lost-

And the weird gentleness of my father towards it.

    

I am from moments captured in a million photographs,

From ballet presentation snaps

To family trips and vacations

Neatly placed and saved digitally and in photo albums.

I’m from my family memories and pictures

That will never change
Even if
-in some way-
we all do.