-by Carrie Lissette Lara, Grade 10

I am from a refrigerator Kenmore
From arroz con verduras and horchata
I am from the clean beige carpet in my living room
and the great smell of my mom's enchiladas
I am from the red roses in my garden
The apple tree from my very own yard
Whose long gone limbs I remember
As if they were my own.

I'm from ojos cafes and daddy's little girl
From mis papis Maria and Carlos
I'm from vamos a jugar futbol and let's go to the movies
And from let's go camping.

I'm from portate bien chamaca! And fijate con quien te juntas!
And no friegues conmigo porque vas a ver nina!
I'm from partying all day long with the family.
I'm from Chicago
from tamales and pupusas
from mi bis abuelo Jose que hace y vende quesos y mi abuelita que es
costurera all their lives.
The memories that I've had with my parents
Los traigo en mi Corazon
I'm Mexican and Salvadorian for life.
Y soy la Rosa que florecio Del Bello rosal
When my parents saw me for the first time.

Editor's Apology: The above poem has some Spanish words that are missing accents. Sorry about that. I don't know how to include them using this bloggy software. :(