I am From . . .

We are all from different places, which makes us unique. Coming from a different background help shape our personalities and our dreams, which creates diversity. You will never really understand a person until you know their past so here's a poem about where I am from.

I am From
I am from a place where many are unfortunate,
From a place where majority struggles,
And where drugs are sold in order to feed a family.
I am from a place where there are broken families,
Where lovers are cheaters,
Where baby fathers are leavers,
Where Ike hits Tina,
Where HIV is an epidemic,
Where children are reproducing
Where killing becomes a hobby,
And where education is unimportant.

Fortunately, I am from a family where everyone cares
And making jokes and laughing are our only remedies.
I am from a father who calls me Suga Butt and who is delightfully loquacious.
I am from a mother who sings loud, but annoyingly pleasing.
I am from an eldest brother who took me in his home, taught me to be athletic,
And promised me a belly ring for when I become skinny.
I am from an elder brother,
Who is very artistic,
Who writes his rhymes and draws his pictures in all my notebooks.
I am from a younger brother, who I truly love,
But often tamper with his temper just to make fun.
I am From North Philly, which is
Better known as “the hood”,
But most importantly,

I am from a family who genuinely loves and lives life to it’s fullest.

- Erica Garner