I am from cornbread cooked right

From chicken cooked fried and chinese seasoned tough.

I am from the busted down smelling like dirt old wooded house.

From feeling empty and broken.

I am from the cold but warm outside

The must smelling indoors with chipped paint.

I’m from the cookouts and laughing even when we’re not okay.

From Uncle Yay-Yay and Aunt Sissy

And crazy Uncle Tyrone.

I’m from the foster homes that didn’t care

And playing ball till the sundown.

From “ family is family blood or not”

And “black lives are at risk.”

I’m from God’s here even when he ain’t

And love protects a lot.

I’m from generations of slaves but slave owners as well.

From chicken and bread.

From playing basketball with all the folks on the block with the nicest man alive.

I am from black and white parents

I am from gunshot after gunshot.

But don’t judge me by where I’m from.