Where I come from

I come from my mother's love and father's sacrifices
From my sister's confidence and brother's guidance
And from the family diners that brought us closer together

I come from the chubby cheeks I had when I was five
From the skinned knee when I fell running toward my nanny in kindergarten
And from the multiple drawings we colored with my classmates

I come from telling strangers the meal we just had
From the excitement to learn the lyrics of one West Life song
And from the many hide and seek games I played in the neighbourhood

I come from going off to boarding school at age thirteen
From the fear I had to mingle with my age mates
And from the many breakfasts I skipped that same year

I come from the Gashora girls sisterhood that bonded us together
From the meals I brought to my bunk bed mate when she was struck with Malaria
And from the the sleepless nights spent mastering integration by parts

I come from grabbing opportunities at any chances
From the extra curricular activities we had as the sun prepared to set
And from the loud cheers uttered at games even when we didn't win

I come from the high high heels and beautiful dresses we adorned on our pre-grad
From the tight hugs and genuine smiles as we graduated
And the stories we shared around the fire during our last night in high school

I come from the country that rose from the ashes
From the annual commemorations held in April
And the Thanksgiving events after forgiving and uniting with those who hurt you most

I come from the promise of a better tomorrow
From the projects centered toward giving back to the community
And from the joy we get after putting a smile on a small boy's face.