I Am From

I am from the mocajete,
from my mother's family kitchen used to grind
the fresh red and green peppers to delicately flavor the dinner salsa
and zested with lime and cilantro from the family garden.

I am from a vibrant and culture of wonder.
(voice of the mariachi, artisans abound.)

I am from the lands of Segovia and Guadalajara,
although miles apart
connected together with a cultural heart, I recall
the story quietly whispered as my eyes close when little.

I'm from the avocado and the Spanish guitar,
from Leonardo and Maria.
I'm from the running of the bulls
and the Pancho Villas,
from grathias and gracias.
I'm from the Most Holy, my Savior of my soul
with a peace of only His knowing
and a book of unlimited value...a gift for you and myself.

I'm from an ocean and a Gulf,
empadas and tortillas.
I am from the countries my parents loved
to a new land seeding new life
my father and my mother embraced.

At the foot of my bed lived a special doll,
smiling, always smiling,
a new set of clothes I awoke to daily,
but hoping I would awake to a special dress
(a crisp white dress and a special hat with a black stripe...just like my mothers)

I am from those special-special moments
of past, present, and the future... mi familia-
Yo soy de los momentos especiales..
Yo soy de mi familia especial.