I Am From…

I am from the sounds of two pencils beating on the desk.

From Go-Gos to the Carry Out, Mumbo sauce to be exact.

I am from a place where people think only the white house and the monument are here

From the sound of mom jingling her keys

I am from four wheels, sitting in the back, ready to go

Green light because we are on an adventure

Our adventures were never slow

Let me stop and tell you

I am from the heart beat of Southeast, where we hang by the big chair

From the media seeing us as dangerous and dreadful

But see, I am from the Dragon of poetry because of the flames he spat.

I am from the fairy Godmother of Fashion because of the styles she would put you in

I am from A team of four Matriarchs

Deeply rooted in my city, to my Parents.

From breaking generational curses

Yup, that’s me

I am from the Fantastic Four

Well 4.5

Because King came to be

I am from a clover

Lucky 13

The oldest girl is where I remain

I am from a rainstorm where it’s always gloomy

Tears become streams

Funerals become Reunions

Laughing and crying just to keep moving

I am from “she keeps me warm,” but in this sense, literally.

I am from pride parades where we always slay.

I am from living out loud and being unapologetically me

 

When I think about where I’m from, I don’t see just streets or buildings — I see moments, flavors, sounds, and the people who gave me my foundation. This poem isn’t just a list; it’s a map. It carries the pulse of Southeast D.C., the way Go-Go drums sync with our steps, the way a carry-out order can feel like home. It’s about the people who raised me — the matriarchs, the poets, the creators — and the way they passed down more than just advice. They passed down resilience, pride, and a deep love for my city and my identity. Where you’re from is more than a location — it’s the stories, the struggles, and the celebrations that made you who you are. Think about your own “I am from” lines. What sounds, tastes, and memories shaped you? What legacies are you carrying forward? If this piece stirred something in you, share your own “I am from” in the comments or write it down for yourself. And if you want to carry a reminder of your roots everywhere you go, explore Kēpt’s keepsakes — each piece is made to hold your story close.