Where I’m From/Brynn Schintgen

I am from the “hood”, as my friends like to say
though they look down on me,
those were some of the best times
(riding bikes with neighbor kids without a care).

I am from the inner-city,
feeling out of place at a school full of rich kids.
From thrift stores and hand-me-downs,
while my friends flaunted diamonds and designer clothes
From humble beginnings and humility, 
that no one here seems to understand.

But I’m also from love,
from hugs and kisses goodnight
and bedtime stories from my dad’s imagination,
looking forward to a new one every night.

I am from the warmth
and coziness of my tiny childhood home,
From the fuzziness of our old box tv, 
the orange-tinted light and smell of vanilla and sugar
that remain only in my memories.

I am from the dog days of summer,
going out to play at dawn
and not returning until dusk
From picnics in the park, 
trying to hide in the shade
and escape the sun’s oppressive heat.

my friends are judgmental of where I come from;
they think I am from violence and unrest
but the reality is,
I am from happiness and love,
from encouragement and compassion
and after having a taste of where they’re from,
I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up any other way.