I’m from polluted streets
And dirty alleys
I’m from stray dogs
And rickshaws
I’m from a poor country
With not many opportunities
I’m from sharing a room with 5 others
And drinking chai in the morning
I’m from a country that is forming
From tears of mourning
I’m from knowing the people of the slums
From screaming around just for fun
I’m from crossing the streets without looking
And littering without caring
I’m from lizards in your house at night
And homes getting robbed if not locked right
I’m from the hot burning sun coming down on me
The humid air that de-energizes me
I’m from getting hit at school if something is not done right
From coming home before the street lights turn on
I’m from seeing family everyday
And praying that everything we have never goes away
I’m from studying all day
From speaking back to your parents will earn you a slap on the face
I’m from a place with no ‘children’s help line’
From a place where if you get hit just remember not to do it next time
I’m from a place where much happens
From a place where you cannot explain it with a poem
I’m from a place where you have to witness it in person
From a place who made me who I am, the good and the bad