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.