I Am From.....

After what has been a tumultuous few days I am starting to feel like myself again. The source of the tumult will be addressed in tomorrow’s blog post and tomorrow’s blog post only as I’m trying to address things once and move on. Today this space is dedicated to my oldest niece, Amber.  Amber - or MooMoo as we affectionately call her - began middle school this past Monday and I’m still in disbelief that this child whose diapers I once changed is 11 years old.  Amber by genetics like most of my family is extremely intelligent so much so that she still amazes and surprises me with each passing year. 

I was out walking at the park with my older sister, Deanna, when her phone rang. It was our sister Danae, Amber’s mother. At this point I didn’t know it was Danae but asked once Deanna started tearing up and then full on crying. She said it was Danae and that she was going to put her on speaker. I said “Why the fuck are you crying?” and looked at her crazy.  Danae begins reading a poem.  Not just any poem but a poem that Amber had written for school.  Now me being a poet myself this really made me smile and then like Deanna it made me cry. The poem is titled I am From and it’s Amber’s own words about where she’s from and what she likes and loves.  I was so moved by it that I would like to share it with you. Check it out.

I Am From by Amber N.

I am from a black walkway that leads to a big white house. I am from two picture windows and finely cut grass, I’m from a white fence that leads to our backyard. I am from Los Angeles the GREATEST city in the world!

 I’m from bike riding in the summertime. I’m from jump ropes, hula hoops, and home cooked meals. I’m from the computer era. I’m from iPods and flat screens. I’m from the new millennium.

 I am from my Mom. I’m from Denita. I am from Danielle. I’m from Deanna. I am from Decia. I am from Jasmyne and Chris. I’m from love.

I am from Christmas parties at Stanley & Sabrina’s house. I am from Halloween parties and trick-or treating with my aunties. I’m from New Year’s Eve parties with my family.

I’m from the words, “Oh my gosh!” I’m from the words, “I don’t know. I am from the words, “Not me!” I’m from phrase, “Shut the front door!” I’m from texting age. I’m from LOL. I’m from TTYL. I’m from ROTFL!!! I’m from tweeting… I’m from, “Amber it’s bedtime!”

I’m from a family that believes in God. I’m from a city that believes the LAKERS are the best! I’m from the home of the happiest place on Earth. I’m from Disneyland. I’m from Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm!

I’m from hot days, I’m from tank tops & flip flops, I’m from eating watermelon, I’m from cold days eating gumbo. I’m from red beans & rice, I’m from oxtails, I’m from black eyed peas. I’m from a loving family that cooks this stuff…

I’m from trips to Oklahoma City in the winter time. I’m from hot summer days splashing in water in the backyard with Dezon. I’m from trips to Disneyland. I’m from trips to the Grand Canyon. I’m from trips to Palms Spring. I’m from a family that loves me.

I’m from Los Angeles where it never gets too cold. I’m from hot summer days. I’m from cool breezy summer nights. I’m from warm beach water and a glistening sun. I’m from rainy winters that doesn’t bother me… 

I’m from a city where people sit in traffic. I’m from an area where people leave work and head to the gym. I’m from shopping malls and palm trees. I’m from amusement parks. I’m from the Hollywood sign and City Walk. I’m from the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’m from parks and beaches. I’m from the City of Angels.

I’m from surfing the web. I am from downloading music. I am from going out to eat. I’m from spending time with my family. I’m from curling up with a good book and a blanket. I’m from shopping, going to church, and singing. I’m from having a good time with whatever I do!!!

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.