I am from rich pine,

and wild grass that tickles at your ankles 

I am from mom’s old jazz that would always play in the kitchen 

when something good was cooking, 

and the smell of damp trees 

because the rain is always sprinkling in houston

I am from burnt frijoles and 

“I can’t do nothin right”

I am from warm atole after a long hard day

and raspas from tampico’s on a happy friday

I am from “nobody likes a smartass” 

and “ve a rezar”

I am from dad’s stubbornness and humor,

mom’s compassion, 

guelo’s laughter,

and mama’s poise

I am from love