Where I am From

I am from a place where love is always in the air
From a place where laughter is always near
From conflict to dispute and raging violence
From a place where even in the midst of it all there is always a loving someone there

I am from a place where fried food is put on a pedestal 
From a place where chores are not an option 
From mama saying "what did you say"
From being comfortable to sometimes wanting to go away

I am from a place where the exterior and interior do not have the same face 
From pungent air so thick with smoke
From sagging pants and convicts that are broke
From a place where people believe there is no hope

I am from a place that does not embody me
From a place that does not believe in what it can be
From a place that I do not wish to be 
From a place that will never define me