I’m from barbeque sundays and Krispy Kreme mornings

from annual olive garden runs and crawfish during holidays

I am from the porter household of shanan and kevin
from the time my sister mistook korean sauce for honey mustard
I am from wear your seatbelt and never eat sunflower seed shells 
from the brutal honesty and undying love of my mother

I’m from the sibling bond of smushed faces and gapped teeth

Taking pictures outside in the heat.

I’m from disagreements.
The endless games of tug-o-war.

From “Which one? Pick one!” and “Be strong. Live on.”
From the anxiety of a hospital room and for the struggle for faith and forgiveness.

I am from a mass of faces but familiar features
I’m from the annual Fantasy Football drafts
I’m from the weekends spent fishing and crawfish boils for birthdays 

From “Carrots make your eyes blue.” and “You can see underwater if you eat your bread crust!”I’m from family gatherings at Church on Sunday

I am from a family that was made to always make each other happy

I am from immigrant mentalities, spilled wine, and broken glasses

I am from water-stained walls and rusting window bars.
from Beauty fades, but knowledge is forever and It’s always better to give than to receive
I am from the the night-blooming jasmine, growing freely and wildly against the fence as Mother taught me to mimic.
I am from stories yet to be heard, stances and prospects yet to be constructed,
From the concept of relying upon nobody, handed nothing except the corner of someone else’s chance.

We’re from dust-collecting photo albums, a collection of memories not of our own, but of those we love and trust.
From rebuilt homes and hearts, destroyed by the actions of others and mere chance 

We’re from accepting families, with the final goal of making one another happy in both mild and trying times 
From overreactions and arguments out of pure worry and love for who we are and the people we will become 
From similar traditions, roots, and philosophies from those who came before, represented from contrasting ideas and perspectives; stubborn, yet thoughtful
We’re all from privilege and gratitude, from appreciation for the advantages we’ve been given, though often not vocalized.
From what we consider to be the end of a generation, but also the beginning of many more to come with optimism and hope for the future ahead
We are from the same beginning, and the same end