Where I’m From

By Alesha Thomas

Where I’m From

I can say that I came from the streets of West Philly, with one parent

Family household. I raised my brothers and sisters while my mother was

Busy making money to pay the month’s rent.

I could say that I never met my father or that I witnessed drive bys, I could

Tell you about my next door neighbor Venice the drug dealer who always

said hi.

But that’s not how I define myself.

I am from a privileged background I overcame my obstacles and here I

Am. I could say that I identify myself as family reunions with aunts,

Uncles, and cousins drinkin forties, eatin fried chicken, cornbread and

Collard greens. But that’s not me.

I am from inspiring people. I define myself as fine art. I moved away from

The slums and aint makin a pit stop.

I’m from a people whose land became their grave. My ancestors danced

With feathered hats and wolves. Straight from Africa suddenly chained and

Enslaved. Assimilated into a new culture the native and the enslaved.