I am from luxury,

from nannies and cleaning ladies.

I am from deep pain disguised with a smile.

I am from bright days with dark endings, small spaces, painful confusion.

I am from an honest father, strong and loving siblings,

but we all share the same crack,

sharp and agonizing, deep in our chests.

I am from jealousy of how my dad loved my brother,

from boy clothes and sports.

I am from silence after years of going unheard.

I am from conditional love, uncertainty.

From "I love you" to "I hate you" in just seconds.

I am from poison

that ruins families, lives,

one glass at a time.

I am from new beginnings

a small house filled with love,

from a heartbroken father who wore a mask for me.

I am from perseverance.

I am from strength.