I am from the city,
I am from the city, with the heart of the country
Running through a sprinkler on hot summer day
My grandmother constantly shouting at us to get
Off her freshly mowed lawn.
I am from the sound of friendly neighbors calling each
Other brother and sister, playing Mother May I and Red Light
Green Light, with our mommas watching over us braiding little
Sister’s hair.
I am from a southern belly, always full,
Savoring every bit of momma’s mac and cheese,
Or waking up to grandmother’s fish and grits topped
Off with freshly picked tomatoes, coming together to
Share some of momma’s banana pudding or orange
Juice cake.
I am from a conservative family, where your stuffed Diva Doll is your best friend and you walk home, once the streetlights, come on to the smell of cornbread, the look of a younger brother wanting to pick a fight, and momma always saying, “it doesn’t matter who you know, but what you know.” I am southern belle from the city and proud of it.