I come from my mom’s kitchen and her perfectly round arepas.
I come from the grandparents’ house with barred windows, and the sound of birds waking up on a Sunday morning.
I come from the place where we greet each other with “que fue chama!” with a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Where friends feel like family, and everyone is someone’s cousin.
I come from a Latin American version of The Giving Tree. A place that has everything to offer, even after being stolen of so much.
I come from the Gaita festivals in December, where the tamboras, furros, and the never-ending joy of festivities bring us inspiration, despite the heartbreak of losing inches of freedom year after year.
I come from stubborn positivity in the face of unimaginable living conditions.
I come from loud gatherings, noisy Tias, and family hugs that can heal any grudge.
Where family means knowing everyone’s business, always having an opinion, and being fully invested in knowing what happens next.
I come from deep love and unbreakable bonds.
Long distances challenge them and political situations aim to snap them, but they are kept alive by shared memories on video calls or voice notes.
I come from “at least we have this” contagious mentalities and always having a reason to smile.
The early November Christmas tress, the Niño Jesús, and the hallacas.
Breathtaking natural landscapes, beaches that melt into the Caribbean, and mountains that stretch to faraway corners of our past.
I come from a place where being brave isn’t just an option, is a way of surviving.
Thank you, Juliette for the inspiration to write this!
Start with a Story 
Oh, I am *so* glad I came back to read this. I know Amy mentioned it, but The Giving Tree comparison gave me shivers. I kind of hate that story, but when you put it in this context its meaning is much more powerful. As for the rest – just wow. I skipped “Where I’m From” in my Grade 9 classes this year because I was tired of reading 14 year old boys writing about silly things. Now I wonder if I could reinvigorate the poem (maybe using this as one of the mentors) to encourage them to focus more deeply on their heritage and traditions (instead of their soccer teams and siblings). Thank you for sharing.
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The giving tree comparison! Loved all of this. Learning more about where you’re from helps me understand you better! I love you!
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Dearest, Ana!
How absolutely mesmerizing! You remind me of why I like it here so much.
I felt like I’d been invited to your family reunions. I could see faces and spaces; people and pleasantries; pain and power, and it was fiercely liberating. And irrevocably loving.
Until tonight, I hadn’t posted on my blog since August, but… I am contemplating getting back into the swing of things. Hmmmm…. Where do I come from? Feeling inspired. #thankyou for such a beautiful catalyst.
#priceless
~Dr. Carla Michelle
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Oooh, this is beautiful, Ana! I love the line of bravery being a means of survival…..and smiling because “at least we have this.” There is a lot of wisdom in the perspectives you share in your poem. I’m glad you were inspired by another slicer to write this lovely verse! And so glad you shared it.
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