I am from moving boxes scattered, littered on hallway floors

From unpaid utility bills, arguments and slamming doors

I am from tax return Christmas gifts and food stamp Thanksgivings

From minimum wage, low paying jobs and barely making a living 

I am from hiding, shaking under my small, twin sized bed 

From saying no, crying and wishing silently that I was dead 

I am from trauma, abuse and well hidden lies 

From district attorneys, court cases and broken family ties 

I am from justice, growth and surviving my past 

From resilience, confidence and fears I have surpassed