I’m from loud family meetings in my kitchen
My dad’s sarcasm and booming voice
As loud as a clap of thunder
Mom taking her usual role as the voice of reason
Calming and patient
From apple-picking to large stockings
The joys of tradition and love
I’m from three sisters
Two with me, one watching over me
Protecting and comforting
Supporting each other through the trialing times
Laughing until we cry
Crying until we laugh
Best Friends
I’m from empanadas sizzling
Making the sofrito with my mom
Garlic, peppers, and onions
The lulling sound of the food processor
Creating a familiar memory in my mind
Rice on the stove, the symbol of Puerto Rico
I’m from bright lights and red velvet curtains
Hair and makeup
From my voice echoing through the plush seats
To my heart racing as I take my bow
Flowers applauding my performance after the lights dim
I’m from daydreams and hopes
The girl-next-door
Aspiring to see her name in shining lights
Her own star on the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame
I am the pen working on the unfinished novel
Hitting my stride as I write the best part of my story
I’m from laughs at the lunch table
Inside jokes and codenames
Whispering about that boy over there
Keeping secrets we’d never tell a soul
Sleepovers and dance parties
Screaming at the top of our lungs the lyrics of the current hit of the week
Sticking together through the rumors and gossip
I am the star, waiting to shoot across the sky
A sister, fighting and hugging
A daughter, loved to the ends of the Earth
A student, ready to learn and achieve
A best friend, laughing and loyal
I am crazy, sarcastic, entertaining, and beautiful.
I am what I am supposed to be.
