Where I'm from: By Al Hassan

Where I'm From

by Al Hassan

Where I'm from, I see colors blinding my sight

I see people passing through the sight of the night

Where I'm from I hear birds chirping like music played on heavenly drums

I hear the car horns stuck in traffic
"Bruuuurp!" "Bruuurp!" like angry bullfrogs.

Where I'm from I taste the couscous every Friday

The steam rising from the plate
My mother carries lovingly to the table.

I see us all together, as we eat at the big round table in our salon.

I see the joy on the faces of my family.

Where I'm from it's sad and dark, 

Like an empty home.

I touch the concrete walls 

That were destroyed by vandals

And then repainted with hope.

Where I'm from
It's happy and light, 

Like a graduation ceremony

Overflowing
With hats.