One from a mother’s radiant love, Surrounded by tíos and tías welcoming me, Though continents drive us apart. As I walk my own path, I can almost echo their heartfelt laughter. Learning from my primos as I teach them English, Bearing my abuelo's determination to surpass barriers, Hearing my abuela say to dream far with the angels, So I do. As I walk the streets of Miami, The rhythm of salsa spreads in my bones, But the rhythm that spreads Cannot ignore the language that is undefined in my mind. Walking the streets of Miami, I know when the happy chatter turns into roars of static, Though frustration grows in me to understand. I see elaborate saris, colorful bindhis, and a palette of spices That I can smell its aroma from miles away. My vivid life with at my nani’s house, Where I learn knowledge that inherit generations. And though I’m a person from two worlds, I live in the space between, Forced to walk the Streets of Miami, Forced to stop my mind from wandering, From doing cartwheels in the sky. But as I pace the pavement of my city, My head is the only sanctuary That I truly call home. 30
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