Where I'm From (Di undi kim bem)
I am from tropical weather and palm trees,
African culture blended with Portuguese.
I am from Batuku, Funana, Coladeira,
And from 10 islands represented by stars na nós Bandera
I am from catxupa, coconuts, and mangos,
from arroz ku feijão, tamberina, and bananas that hang low.
I am made of sodade and sabura
N’ta ama nha cultura!
I am from rabidantis and peixeiros,
from the most beautiful place na mundu intero.
I am from Maio, Boa Vista, and Fogu,
I am from large families and bottles of grogu.
I am from Santo Antão, Santa Luzia, São Vicente,
I am from liberdade and crystal blue seas.
I am from Brava, Sal, and São Nicolau,
though Santiagu is where my heart is now.
I was born in America
But if you ask me where i’m from, i'll tell you,
Ami eh Kriola ku orgulhu.
My God this is thoroughly beautiful. And the timing couldn't be more opportune (because of the quarantine). You're seamless blending of Creole not only makes me want to do research into everything you've said, but actually wish I was there right now in order to experience it all for myself. It all sounds like the perfectly blended multicultural world culture. (And lovely blog name, by the way). ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Evan! Thank you so much, I'm so glad that my poem makes you want to learn more about Cape Verde, that was one of my goals when I was writing this and adding the pictures. And i'm also glad you noticed my blog name, it took me a while to come up with it haha
DeleteHi Nair!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this poem with us- after reading, I thought to myself "she is so proud of where she is from"and that is such a great thing. The last stanza stuck out to me because although you were born in America, your family roots trace back to other places that make you who you are. Great post.
Hi Cassie! Having two identities has always been a huge part of who I am. Being American by nationality and Cape Verdean ethnically are parts of my identity I am very proud of. Thank you for the comment!
DeleteHey Nair!
ReplyDeleteThis poem is absolutely beautiful (and so are the pictures that you included with it). Like Evan said, you blended the Creole in this poem almost effortlessly. Switching back and forth between both languages gives the poem layers and speaks towards your own identity and relationship with both languages.
Hi Ashley! I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem and also the pictures I included. I tried to include photos that captured the essence of Cape Verde and that also related to the stanza it was under. Thank you!
DeleteHi Nair,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what everyone else said, this poem is seriously beautiful. I love that you integrated the two languages - it really made the point that it's part of who you are standout. The pictures add a nice touch and are also beautiful. You're obviously really passionate and proud about your culture, as you should be. Great poem :)
Hi Allison! Thank you for the comment, i'm glad you enjoyed my poem!
DeleteLOVE the multilingual poem. I used google translate for Di undi kim bem. It also brought up a song -- do you know it? I think your bicultural awareness and experiences will be such HUGE assets in the ELA classroom and enhance your ability to connect to our diverse student population. Save this poem. You could use it as a model for your students when they write their own!
ReplyDeleteHi, Dr. Benson! I do know that song! I'm not sure if you found it on google but "Di undi kim bem" just translates to "where I came from." It's one of my biggest goals as a future educator to be able to connect to and also inspire the diverse student population. I will save the poem, thank you for the comment!
DeleteNair, I brushed on my little bits of Creole to sound out the rhyming words. It was magical! I shared with my children who are also Cape Verdean and they loved it as well. You have a lyrical voice in multilingual composition that should be shared in other platforms. Have you considered submitting this to Cape Verdean American media groups?
ReplyDeleteHi Yesenia! I'm actually really relived that someone could sound out the rhyming words. I was really skeptical about including so many words in creole because I didn't think anyone would be able to tell if the poem rhymed or not. I'm so happy you shared it with your children, and i'm glad they loved it! I never thought about submitting it to any groups but i'll definitely consider it! Thanks for the comment :)
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