I come from a small city a place no one cares about.

I come from a place that no one wants to move to.

Most people get out if it is possible.

I come from a place filled with people who are stuck.

Even though everyone wants to, very few people leave.

They have learned it’s easier to stay where things are bad

Than to jump into uncertainty where life may be better.

I am one of the few people who got out,

But I always find myself wanting to go back.

I miss my home.

I know I’ve made a new home in a better place,

But it isn’t the same.

Where I come from will always be my one true home.

I miss the rundown stores.

I miss the teachers who really cared.

They are the lowest paid teachers in the state,

But they are probably some of the most hardworking.

They stay in a place where they are underpaid

Because they grew up there.

They are as stuck as everyone else.

I never had a teacher who hadn’t lived in the city their whole lives.

They love and hate their home just as much as I do,

But they give it all they have no matter what.

I come from a place filled with people

Who are falling apart along with their city.

I come from a place where no matter who you are,

It is too dangerous to go outside after dark.

I come from a place where people do whatever it takes to survive.

I come from a place filled with people

Who are stronger than anyone else I have ever met.

No matter what happens at home,

They have smiles on their faces every day.

They are happy to be alive.

They have respect.

They have big dreams.

These are traits that I have found people in my new home lack.

I love my broken city.

I will never allow myself to go back.

I know I can’t let myself get pulled in once again.

It isn’t a “good” place.

But no matter what, it’s my home.

I will always hold on to my memories.

I will always be proud of where I am from.

I come from a place of passion.

Where I am from has made me who I am.

I will never forget it.