Where i’m from

by Rodeferledine Alexis

I am from an oak tree

from coffee and cacao.

I am from the green leaves falling all over

blasting my face with a smell of hope,

it tasted so sweet yet sour.

 

I am from the fleur-de-midi

the Rose-Rouge

whose colorful leaves brought a joy into my life.

I’m from the “do whatever you want but don’t fight with your sisters.

and do not get in the kitchen you lil “visye”

from the I’m the singer and the wanna-be,

and the “what are we doing again.”

 

I’m from the “education is key to success”

and “don’t forget about Bible study”

from the “no pain, no gain”

and did you hear about this scandal like OMG…

I’m from God is your savior thou shalt not fear

from if David was able to triumph over goliath,

therefore ain’t nothing impossible.

 

I’m from Saint-Louis-du-Nord and the army made me this way

from griot and rice and beans

from the “ou la la” me and my sisters had to sing everyday

from the sound of the keyboard and Fefe you better get it right this time.

 

I am from struggle yet happiness we had lots of that

from “stand straight” my grandpa would say,

because the army made me like this

from don’t forget Bible study is at 6

and don’t you dare fight with your sis.

 

I’m from the sound of the keyboard

and the “do it again till ya’ll harmonies”

I’m from “education is key to success”

so go get your damn book

I am from don’t ever settle for less

and strike for what you deserve

and reach higher than your capacity.