I am from “Yo lemme borrow some sugar”,
from neighbors living on the next floor.
I am from kool-aid and chicken,
from banana pudding and s’mores.
I am from dark nights at the park,
from running from cats following me home.
I am from sharing a laundry room,
from inspections every month.
I am from noise above my head,
from hearing knocks on neighbors doors.
I am from gatherings in the community room,
from kids knowing one another on each floor.
I am from meeting up at Woodland Ave. ,
from the Septa G bus.
I am from neighbors that didn’t like noise
so they didn’t like us.
I am from the train tracks in the back,
from where we listened to the trains roam.
I am from where I felt safe,
from where I call home.
Students in Ms. Melville’s 9th grade English classes wrote about formative places and experiences.