Where I’m From
By:Assetou Kouyate
I am from a place many see as “the ghetto”
From Gun Hill and Williamsbridge
I am from a home like no other
I am from the red big apple where everyone hopes
To achieve the American Dream
I am from family gatherings every night
And happiness from
My mother and two younger brothers, Bakary and Sidi
I am from “I ni sogoma” every morning and
“I ni su”
From “your spoiled”
“No matter what your still my little baby”
I am from praying 5 times a day, fasting,
And making duas for me and families
I am from Bamako, Mali,
Couscous and Attike
From my great grandmother migrating from different countries within Africa,
Which makes me and my family half Fulani
And named after my father’s mother who has passed away
I am from a wall full of picture where memories will forever stay with us
I enjoyed reading your poem I think it was very well written. I like how you include “the red big apple where people want to achieve the American Dream” a lot of people who think of New York believe this is the place where people can reach and work towards their dreams.
I found your poem very intriguing to read. I found that we have a few things in common such as our families both immigrating to America and both being called spoiled. I also liked how you added quotes that you would hear in your home.