Where I'm From by T.F. (Writing Our Stories)

I am from pain and love, from be-home-before-the-streetlights and

watching my grandparents struggle for their life.

I am from fistfights to gunshots all night.

I am from 1 love you to crying myself to sleep at night.

I am from apple cinnamon and bleach.

I am from perseverance and heartbreak.

I am from a single-parent home but still knew my father was coming.

I am from Birmingham but inside I was a lonely soul crying for help.

I am from a dark place that lies deep within loss and confusion.

I am from a suicidal mind and troubled-child heart.

I am from lock-up, staring at a couple months that changed to juvenile life.

I am from football in the streets to basketball in the summer.

I am from spray painted walls to blood puddles in the asphalt.

I am from pain that drives me insane but no one understands.

I am from sugarcane and marijuana smoke.

I am from hugs and kisses to watching my back.

I am from pain and love.