Tuesday, June 4, 2013



Where I’m From

I am from street lamps and
sidewalks, a snake of brake lights
winding slowly down the 110,
red sun electrifies smogged sky,
a silhouette of skyscrapers,
grass protruding from cement.

I am from show tunes and hip hop,
turntables and Chaînés
jazz hands and bass,
speakers the size of sedans,
my body pressed
against the vibration.

I am from palm trees and chaos,
swimming pools and siblings,
popsicles and Alta Dena Dairy,
nonfat and cold,
left on the front step.

I am from earthquakes and oceans,
an incessant tremble at our core,
rhythm of everything
beyond the man-made,
beyond control.

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