Where I’m From

By Chelsea Galdones Morales

I am from Kalihi, the “ghetto”

From unsafe streets and gangs,

To sleepless nights, and loud police sirens

going off at two in the morning.

I am from street nicknames, and

name tagging on walls and cement.

I am from 25 cent sweet ice cakes

From up the hill, sold by a friend, 

and eating hot cheetos with tamarind,

perfectly mixed with kool-aid,  

to late night dinners at home.

I am from an upstairs-downstairs apartment,

three bedrooms and one bathroom,

I am from sleeping in any room,

To getting up early to use the bathroom,

Just to get ready for school.

I am from a big family,

I am from having family that is not all by blood,

I am from losing young loved ones

Because of the place that I call home,

I am from a place that is underestimated,

I love the place that I call home.