I’m from the dark Bronx, illicit and glowing. where all I eat is simmering ketchup, salty bacon, egg, and cheese, teeth muscles chomping, mouth watering.
I’m from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico where the crystal clear water is perfect, but also my purple pulpo, salty white carrucho, and cheesy yellow sorullos take me back.
I’m from set tables of rice and beans every night and
divine ice cream from Rex Cream, just a hint of spice to the mix.
Don’t forget about mom’s chicken and pig feet, slimy and gooey!
I’m from the bodega on the corner wondering,
“Hey, where’s my Cola Champagne?” The only thing I chug down when I go.
I’m from Nana’s 4-decade-old apartment 3603 15A
Daddy’s raucous basement house on Lake Ave.
On Andrews Ave, Mom and I live a bitter-sweet and spicy heart that cannot be separated….
I’m from a great school with great teachers,
never thinking I could be so well educated.
I’m from my two-story-high-bed with the one medal that makes me proud of
who I am as Micaela Gonzalez, where the butterflies take me away
And the lights give me hope to make the world develop equality.
Cars honking,people yelling: Home is where I am a Nuyorican.
I’m from trips with my dad’s 80s music, “Never gonna give you up, never gonna
let you down, never gonna run around!”
Nights of the coqui’s orchestra, “coqui, coqui.”
I’m from Abuelita Milagros house dreading her to say: “Deja de mirar en el espejo lo va a romper.” (Stop looking in the mirror, you’re gonna break it!) I crack
up every time I hear it.
I’m also from hectic nights of the Latinx version of X-Factor on Telemundo
“Let’s go Eric!”
I’m from dreaming of sports–
from supporting family and friends who encourage me with their weight lifting
hand.
From people who don’t scold me but educate me.
I am putting strength and effort to work hard for my dream to be like Carla
Cortijo, one of the first Puerto Ricans on the WNBA. Even though I am what I
would say trash.
This is a message from a twelve-year-old girl
Chase after your dreams, like a bird looking for its nest.
Micaela is a twelve-year-old Latinx girl, who really takes where she’s from seriously. One day she wants to become a published author to help other Latinx girls know that they can accomplish anything, so submitting poems as a young girl is very important to her. Her teacher has encouraged her to pursue this dream; in addition, this is something she thinks will help her as a student in English class.