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I Am From…Caitlin ClaytonI am from bonfires and candlelightbedtime stories every nightFrom the tooth fairy and funny ghostsstaying up late and secret notesFrom synagogue—but never churchfrom crazy schemes—that never workFrom Santa Clausand menorah candlesfrom bike helmetsand broken sandals.I am from broken bonesand padded heartsfrom chicken soupand fresh startsfrom tomboy games like hide-and-seekme and the boys and scabby kneesMy family tree is grafted togetherweʼre always there, no matter the weathermostly sweet, a littlenutsIʼm from candy hearts and cigarette smokefamily pieces and silly jokesI am fromthe wind, the rainI am fromthe night, the daydaughter of Medinat Yisraelhija de España y MéxicoFlower childCurious KidI am from Disney moviesand Beanie Babies,From Jell-O squares and Chewy Spreesforget-me-nots and bumble beesI am from roasted sʼmores and firefliesfrom jelly beans and pumpkin piesI am from a broken moldfrom the world: the young, the oldfrom my years gone byto what may comeI am from truthand liesand chewing gum.—after George Ella LyonThe Beauty and the BeastTwin DollDani BurkNikki EnriquezSitting in a rocking chair, always staring at me, sat my twin doll.A little larger than an American Girl doll,Identical we were,Made to look like me, we had the same eyes and hair.Her beady glass eyes held an intense gaze upon me,Following my every move.Her pink floral dress had no wrinkles, her shiny white shoes with brassbuckles had no scuffs, and her smooth silky brown hair lay perfect aboveher shoulders,Because I never played with her,Except for when I threw her to the floor.So innocent a doll may seem, but I knew she was evil,Her cold mesmerizing eyes told all.I would throw her off her chair to the groundFull of hate and would yell how much I didnʼt like her,Then later on I always apologized out of fear,Fear she was alive,Fear she would take revengeLike the doll Chuckie from Childʼs Play.She never moved though.She just sat there contently in a rocker,Eyes always staring.afterglow 31