I Am From

A am from the pillow on the couch

from the blankets and the windows by the dining table

i am from the Italian feeling of the arches (the vanilla smell)

i am from rosemary of the garden

the palm tree bushes in the front yard

who’s long gone limbs i remember

as if they were my own

I’m from the gatherings and dancing

from the welas and welos

I’m from the barbecue and pool parties

and from shopping at the Flea

I’m from the respect for ones older than you and honesty

and the “one song they always play at Mexican weddings”

I’m from the lessons in the bible

I’m from Arizona and Spain, mexico and south Texas

from morning cow langua tacos and pandulce

from the times we go the South Padre Island

and the shrimp from that restaurant that has a large pirate ship on the docks.

the memories of parties and swimming with my family

placed in that box of pictures in the cabinet and in the hearts of my family.