Rust

Maria Sanchez De Los Reyes. 9

Rust

Izabel Rivers. 11 Where I’m from

I am from a trailer From smells of cigarettes and despair From smelling the desperation in the air From where the roaches are From constant yelling From dirt From grime From no heat From no A/C From no car From limited water From broken furniture From a mattress on the floor From too many apartments to count

I am from a life of Nutella and peanut butter sandwiches From 24 cent ramen noodles From mac’n’cheese From bread and water

From off brand clothes From off brand food From “WHAT DO TIGERS DREAM OF WHEN THEY TAKE A LITTLE TIGER SNOOZE?” From “I LET HER OUT” From “With this ring I ask you to be mine.” From contradictions From “Too loud” From “Too quiet” From “Too much” From “Not enough”

I am from an absent father From an overworked mother From others’ pain From others’ crying From others’ cheating From others’ lying From a broken home From a cycle of abuse From others’ addiction From others’ hate From others’ mental illness From others’ bad decisions From taking care of myself From taking care of siblings

I am from fear From my pulse quickening From my breath catching From my stomach dropping From the taste of bitterness From my mouth going dry From trauma From not being able to sleep at night From cowering everytime there’s a noise From being strong From pretending to be strong I am from nothing I am from everything I am from home no matter how broken