From Within My Own Heart
I am from a Melting Pot,
An array of culture and traditions
Hardwired into me since I took my first breath.
I am from a state
Of "yes, ma'am", sweet tea, and "y'all"
In a country as mixed as I am,
3000 miles away
From where my last name was born.
My life is a swirl of international music
And exotic spices,
Me in the middle of a hurricane:
Balancing the rules of two different worlds;
Deflecting the lies and hurt people throw like darts;
Keeping myself open and secretive at the same time.
I am from a land
Where I can always do better,
Told to me by myself and by others.
I was raised by "work hard, play hard".
Get it done.
Never quit.
Aim for the moon no matter what;
Miss and you'll land among the stars.
I am from comfort,
A tail of privilege swinging behind me,
Bashing through my obstacles;
From the rule
You work hard to get what you want.
Nothing's free.
Nothing's easy.
I am from both great joy and great pain,
Where what doesn't kill me
Makes me ten times stronger;
From periods of rage at no one but myself
To pride for my heritage, my religion.
I am from within my own heart.
My essence, my core
Is eroded by the peach-scented, sun-kissed South Carolina breeze;
Decorated with designs of a land of green, white, and saffron;
Cradled in the gentle, firm hands of teachers, students, parents;
And inscribed with word upon word
Of passions, love, hurt, pain,
Dreams that are broken and dreams still living.
I am from poetry.
I am from music.
I am from a girl who held Midnight in her arms.
I am from dreams.
I am from culture.
I am from religion.
And I am from me.