I Am From

A poem

Jun 01, 2026

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I am from a Mexican household, born and raised in Southern California. Not Mexican enough, not American enough.
From Spanish technically being my first language,
picking up English pretty early on 
watching Sesame Street, and Barney and Friends. 
I am from a 90s childhood, born August 22, 1990. 
Glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.
I am from a pink Barbie lunchbox and Ramen in a thermos, 
eaten outside my pre-K classroom with my mom on lunch break. Favorite time.
From Saturday morning cartoons and Telenovelas on weeknights. 
I am from dressing up my Barbies and playing marbles on the floor - cool, round, smooth against my fingers.
I am from dancing at parties as a kid like no one was watching, 
people gathered all around me, clapping. 
I am from crippling shyness. From panic attacks. 
I am from leaving one of my shoes on the windowsill on Christmas Eve 
so that Santa would bring presents the next morning 
and drawing his face on the glass with red lipstick and “snow in a can.” 
I am from a single mom, who tried to give me everything she could. 
From a complicated family history.
I am from depression and anxiety. 
From shame. And I am also from grace. 
Able to sing a new song. One of hope. 
I am from redemption. 
From out of the mud.