A Poem

I saw this poem in a magazine and liked it, so I'm sharing. It was written by a high school senior in Florida.

"From Whence I Come

I come from explosive rhythms & swift beats,

from heads held high & fast-paced streets.

from billowing skirts & caramel skin

I come from a place where we shine from within.

I come from warm summer rains,

from mangoes & sugar canes.

from pain & love

I come from God up above.

I come from graffiti & art, from crazy families & love-filled hearts.

from spoken word & song,

I come from a place where being me is never wrong.

I come from beans & rice, from tropical drinks filled with ice.

from campesinas on the farm;

I come from a family's warm arms.

I come from Puerto Rican shores & New York streets,

from beautiful dances & fast-moving feet.

from tropical dishes & delectable treats.

I come from a place that is rich & sweet.

I come from dark hair & eyes,

from upbeat nights & a beautiful sunrise.

from a place full of surprise & mystery,

I come from my people's history."

by Kayla Gomez