Who I Am

Samantha Santos

I am from a Hispanic home, living in East Los Angeles,
where the stray dogs are hungry to the point they can eat a cow.
Homeless around each corner smoking while intoxicating the air that I breathe.
Each morning, I see the sunrise at 7am while walking to my bus stop
seeing the owner of the liquor store while crossing the street.

Every day exploring the city while the sun kisses my pale skin.
Breathing the fresh air with the hint of weed or the scent of food.
East Los Angeles, where the late-night smell like carne asada
as the smell of food fills the air, the delicious smell seduces the air.

As I live in the same neighborhood, I relive the memories of my childhood
falling straight up on my face in the concrete a million times.
To falling hard of finding my passion of running
But wait, I like running?
10 year old me would cry a river
hearing the police sirens throughout the city as there's a new pursuit on the roads.
Yet I wish to pursue my fallen dreams as fast as the police cars.

Kanye wonders if his dreams will come true yet I do too.
I wonder if I know what it's like to find my dreams.
I’m falling in and out of the clouds, don’t worry, I’ma get it.
I keep falling on my face landing on the concrete. It’s okay. I’m ok.

It’s okay you’re ok, yet it feels like death trying to make it to the finish line.
I want to make it, I really do, yet it feels like the finish line is too far.
Keep pushing Samantha. You’re almost there.
Don’t stop running. You’re almost done.
Look how far you’ve made it. You’re in the last stretch.

Look how much is left. Remember why you started.
Live the life you want.
Be successful. Show those who doubted you that you’re better.

Remind yourself about your small space.
Remember your hectic home where your basic needs can’t be met.
That small space is just that beginning of your journey.

The discipline coach Russell gives you lays the foundation for your success.
Samantha, don’t stop running, don't let them catch up to you.
Mija, remember why I moved here to the US.
Samantha, te dije que te levantes después de caer.
Samantha, set your mind to many things. Follow your dreams.
Don’t lose faith in me. I will bring great things to you.
But father I am afraid I won't make it.

When I need peace, I pray and I run,
becoming sunkissed by the sunset.
Spending time with my dad,
all I want is to have peace.