i am from gas station rest stops
that fueled the hunk of metal which took me anywhere my traveling mind wandered
i am from cramped spaces in an overcrowded backseat
filled with cousins i wasn’t fond of
i am from landscapes i’d never seen before across the country
that i was so blessed to be able to visit
all because of my gracious grandparents
who loved me more than i knew
i am from the house on the corner
that was suddenly so far from the grandparents that looked after
me and my wanderlust heart
i am from the shadows,
not knowing where i belong
i am from a quiet voice
that doesn’t know when or how to speak out
i am from an explosion
of tears and screams released when everyone least expected
i am from questionable stares and unsettling talks
with strangers in an unknown room
i am from being pushed away and kept quiet
by people who were supposed to be caring for me
and only heard me when i cried out for them
but now
i am from people who love me
care for me like no other
see me for me, no matter how difficult
