by Lisa Inserra
inspired by Mari Aviles’s mini-lesson
I’m from blood on the doorstep and Thais the Mafia girl
I’m from being called “dego” by micks.
I’m from the first son and the second daughter
I’m from bowling alleys to books
I’m from syringes, and face masks;
I was born from a pile of burning scrubs.
I’m from grandma’s hot house and nana’s rose petals
I’m from grappa and gold.
I’m from Sunday morning cha-chas
I’m from the Combat Zone
I’m from “fresh off the boat”
Of science and song;
I’m a handful of dirt in an apron stuffed with herbs.