Where I Am From

I am from the tears that were shed when my pet cricket died
I am from the fear that we shared when the footsteps boomed upstairs
I am from the laughs that we were addicted to when we made up silly words
I am from the songs that we sang when nobody was home
I am from getting those Fs on those math tests last term
I am from the endless love that I was given growing up—and am still receiving
I am from the animals that I grew up with in my home
And the wild ones I tried to save
I am from the things I have tried- and hated
I am from the things I have tried- and love
I am from leaking my thoughts onto this page
I am from the bravery it took to stand up for a friend
I am from the bones I’ve broken and the scars I have gained
I am from experience
And that is what makes me real