Gia Ruiz

Where I'm From · Jan 20, 2026 · 18m

Where I'm From #23

By Gia Ruiz

Inspired by George Ella Lyon

I am from layaways

From generic cola and heartburn causing picante chips

I am from 9 homes in 17 years, on military bases, in the middle of pineapple fields, next to undetonated bombs.

I am from plantains, brown and bruised, then fried, and smashed at just the right time.

I’m from my mom’s lived ghost stories and curly hair and loudest laugh, and elaborate homemade Halloween costumes.

From Juan and Linda and Javier

i’m from holding it in until you explode and cross country road trips, reading books in the car.

I’m from hoping there…