Where I'm From: Cecilia

Where I'm From: Cecelia

by Francesca

I am from the sunny, flat plains of Sudan
feet hitting the ground and fists clenched
my parent's surreal death etched into my mind forever
terror and sadness propelling me forward, to Belgium

I am from one fateful night
the police raid shattering the silence as I slept
panic turning my blood cold as I was driven to the detention center
chained helplessly to my roommate as the stars shone through the clouds

I am from a crowded dark room
the presence of twenty others closing in on me
I am from the dread of going back to Sudan
sickening and constant, eating away at my health

I am from animal-like treatment, cruel and unforgiving
bending to fix my shoe earning me a harsh shove from the guard
my head slamming into the cold tile floor
anger tightening my throat and clouding my vision

I am from a court full of distrustful strangers
salty tears drowning out my words
living again in Belgium without papers
everything distorted by fear

“I just want to be somewhere and continue with my life
and to form another family because right now
I don't have anyone anymore.”