I am from where the red dirt meets the green jungle
The mangoes are plucked ripe off the trees
The juice runs clear down my chin
I am from the dark secrets carried in the bowels of slave ships
The rhythm of the Atlantic pushes us towards our destiny
I am from backs burnt from chopping cane
Ebony skin shines reflecting my beauty
I am from the place where palm trees whisper their stories
Nestled between their embraces my ears strain for their wisdom
Now, I am from the brownstones and basketball courts
Where baggy jeans and Timberlands are the standard uniform
I am from where bodegas are on every corner
Coronas are sipped, straw hats are worn, and dominoes are slammed
I am from a little seed that grew into an entire legacy