Zerimar Lopez-Ramirez

Mexico, Puebla by Zerimar Lopez

Everyone has their backstories,

Each different and each unique,

Mine started way before I was born,

Back when my ancestors decided never to be weak.

From moving to North America,

To surviving all types of wars,

But the question I always ask is, why risk it all,

Now the answer to that is just to open new doors.

But when you ask me about my past,

Or where was I born,

Trust me my answer won’t be as fast,

And yet, when I’m finished you’ll be asking for more.

I might tell you how the two special ages are three and fifteen,

When family and friends come together and celebrate,

While calling you their queen.

From painting to dancing,

It's what I call art,

Expressing ourselves,

While showing what happened from the start.

I won’t tell you about each war,

Trust me I do find that information kind of boring,

But instead, I will talk about little details

For example the flooring.

No need to worry, I’ll start now,

All the way in Mexico,

There’s a special little state,

Puebla,

The only place where I learned to skate.

Not only that but the place I call home,

The place where my family is at,

The place where I can always go.

Seeing whether each one are steady,

My normal day starts when I run to check on my trees,

While aiming only for the ones that are ready,

Then noticing how they are all being swarm by bees.

From attending school,

To hanging out with friends,

We each live our best life,

All the way to the end.

Laughing at everyone's reaction,

Due to us pretending to be ghouls,

From the llorona to the tikwi,

We run away acting like fools.

Selling all the fruits,

Knocking on many doors,

Then walking back home,

Just to complete the rest of my chores.

Notice how our roads aren’t normal,

They aren’t made of cement,

But instead of dirt and rocks,

But I quickly leave that thought when smelling a familiar scent.

Either chilaquiles, or Pozole

Food is the best part,

From enchiladas to Tamales

All being made by Abuela who claims it is all from the heart.

Greeting all my pets,

Birds, fishes, cats, and dogs,

What many people wouldn’t call normal,

Pigs, chickens, horses, and frogs.

I walk to everyone and say “Bendicion,”

Showing my respect,

“Dios de bendiga,”

Just to hear the same response I always expect,

I buy what I was told,

As well as some snacks,

Being told to go to the bodega,

Realize how I didn’t have to pay for the tax.

Checking the time,

Avoiding the crazy hour,

When abandoned dogs roam the dark streets,

Those dogs are dangerous due to their power,

I smile and think about everyone I have to thank,

Finally being home safely,

I head to my room and take out my piggy bank,

Just to count the rest of the money I have.

Now I told you about how I live in the little state Puebla,

The place where I never feel alone,

The place where happiness is endless,

The place where I can finally say, “I am home.”