I am from Brooklyn
Being held tight
Sitting on her lap and with a big smile on my face
Going to many family reunions, and playing in playgrounds
I am from Bronx
Living above a restaurant
Eating Spanish food 24-7
Going to church every Sunday
Hearing Spanish music out of every car
I am From Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Riding horses everyday
Having many pets
Living on the farm and city side
And from many sunny days
I am from being raised in a black community until i was three years old
Living in a big neighborhood
Stores right on the corner
And 2 minute walks
I am from being raised in a Hispanic community for nine years
Dancing with all my sisters
And making up dances so that we can show the family
Up all night to watch TV.
I am from not being very clear about my racial identity
Knowing that I was black
But not knowing I was also half Puerto Rican
Not considering myself as half Puerto Rican
But from considering myself as half Dominican
I am from knowing my whole entire life that I was black
The only thing I mainly knew about my past
But never thought about what my other half was
I am from being judged most of my life
Always called fat, ugly, and skinny when I was younger
They always said “you’re stupid”
And ever since I have always thought of myself
As fat, ugly, etc...
I am from not being confident in myself
And for not having faith in myself
Also not believing in the word love
I am from not knowing who my father is
And from my biological mother being raped by him
That’s why I am who i am today
Conflicted ….
We are all conflicted, Nana. Some more than others. A wonderfully written poem. Thanks for sharing
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
wow.. a very good, bright write, Nana! I congratulate you. Thanks for sharing WELCOME at PH and keep on writing/posting Ciao