Where I’m From

The answer depends on who you ask, or the degree of honesty that person has. I could say Puerto Rico, but that’ll just put economic crisis and criminality on your mind. Not that it isn’t true, but just as there are negative things, I’m sure you also think  of vacation, beach and piña colada when you hear Puerto Rico.

Where I’m from people stops to help that one who’s car just broke. Where I’m from you call everybody primo, all your friends cabron and ask everybody la bendicion, even if its not related to you. Where I’m from jugar domino is a requirement in every family party, una medalla becomes ten and your plans on leaving early are never true. Where I’m from people gather to see a boxing fight and if we win the barrio knows it instantly. Where I’m from at least one person in each family drink café con leche and your grandfather may drink café puya. Where I’m from you can’t fight anyone in the streets or you could get shot. You can hear gunshots late at night or maybe a coquí singing a lullaby. Where I’m from people has died just for grabbing someone else beer. Hell people has been killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Where I’m from, Christmas is the greatest, longest holidays in the world. Every family prepares coquito, tembleque and arroz con gandulez y pernil. Every house is impregnated with Christmas lights, el nacimiento and a “Dios bendiga este hogar boricua” sign. You can hear a parranda heading your neighbors way, partys are until no one can dance anymore and if you’re 15 years old you can drink a little pitorro to learn how to drink. Where I’m from, as Willie Perdomo say, “Where I’m from, it’s sweet like my grandmother reciting a quick prayer over a pot of hot rice and beans. Where I’m from, it’s pretty like my niece stopping me in the middle of the street and telling me to notice all the stars in the sky.”

            -Inspired by Willie Perdomo’s Where I’m From.