WHERE I’M FROM

free verse Randy Watson* Author wished to remain anonymous

I’m from Athens, GA From Bethel Homes, where you see the police everyday Black and blue, on foot, going building to building People yelling 12 and scatter From an attitude of forget they dad and I got nothin to lose From trying new things To finding a way out I’m from watching people you loved Killed from bullets and heroinOr locked up I’m from rap music No cap, Young Boy and Rylo. I’m from The Nets and the Celtics. I’m from Watch Out! And Run! From gunshots and fights gone wrong, people dying, mama’s crying I’m from dreams of making something happen, From kids on the playground playing build up I’m from dark places And dice games I’m from brothers that will love me forever, From my mama doing her best to keep me on my feet I’m from smelling chicken through the door Cold air through the window. From late nights and walking away I am from Ramen Noodles and Totino’s pizza I am from big dreams to chase Without letting anything get in the wayA place I’m goin, plans in the making A future I can only imagine in the breezeway iliad The wind back and forth rushing my thoughts away 61