Writing: ‘I’m From’ by Peter Andara-Jacquez

"I'm From"

I am from bright lights and tall trees that make up my personality.
I am from the heritage and ethnicity of my family.
I am from the hospital hidden in all the tall buildings that make up Downtown Los Angeles.
I am from the comfort of a mother's hug.

I am from the reassuring careless whispers.
I am from the rough concrete that taught me how to heal.
I am from meaningless birthday cards filled in with a five-dollar bill.
I am from the fortune cookies that taught me the life lessons that I'm still trying to learn today.

I am from debates between me and my sister that taught me I'm not always right.
I am from lectures that taught me to accept my emotions
I am from learning so quickly just to forget within seconds.
I am from planning goals just to change them 5 seconds after.

I am from the lies of a friend that turned out to be the truth.
I am from tough love which taught me the idea of being tough.
I am from brave scenes in my head that turned into cowardly scenes in real life.
I am from the fights that taught me how to fight.

I am from the fear of opening the door to find out it was just the wind howling a tune.
I am from the closet door shut and open at the same time.
I am from chasing the bus just for it to zoom away from existence.
I am from the answers that I ask myself just to receive a blank response.

I am from my grandmother's home-cooked meals that fed the family.
I am from the restaurants where my family were regulars
I am from the conversations with my family that taught me it's ok to use my voice
I am from the people in my life who are distant memories in my large mind.

I am from the music that taught me life isn't always perfect.
I am from new and past friendships.
I am from the long lines that taught me patience.
I am from the laser that ignites the burning fire in my eyes that makes up my imaginative mind.