I am from a grill
From charcoal and lighter fluid
I am from the creaking wood floor
Old, chipped
It felt smooth with an edge of roughness
I am from the bushes
The thin trees
The damp mud of a humid day

I am from the stuffed turkey and hard-headed
From Amanda and Carlos and Mike
I’m from the passive aggressiveness and clumsiness
Be quiet and if you’re good
I’m from spanish masses
Nightly prayers

I’m from Nicaragua
Paella and shepherd's pie
From the time my sister threw me in the water and taught me to swim
The dyed red hair of my grandmother

The tables in the den
With intermediate family kept in a black frame
I am from the foolish but loving household of the Dubey family