I am from an island From the palm trees and the fresh

air I am from a tempo of about 140 beats per minute

I am from the Canarian Spanish and the Arawak language

I am from the sweat and tears

From hard work and prosper

I am from the saying Paz y Libertad

 

I am from a long line of traditions From Christmas in December 24th

From the independence on February 27th From the diablo cojuelos

From my grandma’s kitchen

 

I am from the combination of Spanish, African and Taíno

From arroz, habichuela y pollo

From Sancocho y tostones

From Licey Vs. Las Aguilas

 

I am from those photographs in the living room

I am from the music you hear when passing by

I am from a family

I am from the rich culture of the Dominican Republic

 

Mayra Arnoat Perez