Where I'm From...
This is a poem based on the Scholastic lesson which was inspired by George Ella Lyon's poem, Where I'm From
I am from grits, peach cobbler, sweet tea,
From greens and black-eyed peas,
From dogwood and magnolia trees, gardenia and honeysuckle blossoms,
Scents I can conjure when I close my eyes.
I am from red dirt, dew and steamy, sultry humidity,
From fire ants, heat lightening and lightening bugs,
And katydids who sing me to sleep in the night.
I am from England.
From Barbara, bride of Philip,
I am from five lively aunts, one tuneful uncle and many, many cousins.
From laughing and loving, painting and sewing and toe-tapping blue grass.
I am from tulip fields, windmills and wooden shoes.
From Edith, wed to Arthur.
I am from one silly aunt, no uncles, two cousins
From Presbyterian missionaries and women educated a century ago.
I am from my mom, Barbara Ann, born in North Carolina
From her decorated house and well-laid table.
From Lane cake and sweet potato soufflé.
I am from homemade Halloween costumes and home-baked birthday cakes.
From crafts and cooking, thank you notes and gifts tied up in bows.
I am from my dad, Richard, raised in the Midwest
From Webster’s, correct grammar, multiplication tables and base 5.
I am from tolerance, patience and security.
From thinking and puzzling and getting it right.
I am from, “You can do anything you set your mind to.”
I’m from my parents, my brother, my family.
From road trips west and beach vacations south,
From airplanes, passport stamps and adventure.
I’m from ‘Hey, ya’ll’ and ‘yes, ma’am’
From “Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn.’
I’m from wading through creeks and wandering the woods,
From scorching summer days at the pool, from sunburn and freckles.
I am from New Jersey, born in America on the 4th of July.
Georgia raised, North Carolina schooled, paused now in Illinois.
I am a teacher, a parent, an artist.
A daughter, a sister, a student, an athlete, an activist, a seeker.
In my house there are photos and memories of those who are dear.
They shape me and guide me.
In my heart there is strength and elasticity, courage and tears, laughter and wonder.
I am from here and I am from there.
That’s where I’m from.
From greens and black-eyed peas,
From dogwood and magnolia trees, gardenia and honeysuckle blossoms,
Scents I can conjure when I close my eyes.
I am from red dirt, dew and steamy, sultry humidity,
From fire ants, heat lightening and lightening bugs,
And katydids who sing me to sleep in the night.
I am from England.
From Barbara, bride of Philip,
I am from five lively aunts, one tuneful uncle and many, many cousins.
From laughing and loving, painting and sewing and toe-tapping blue grass.
I am from tulip fields, windmills and wooden shoes.
From Edith, wed to Arthur.
I am from one silly aunt, no uncles, two cousins
From Presbyterian missionaries and women educated a century ago.
I am from my mom, Barbara Ann, born in North Carolina
From her decorated house and well-laid table.
From Lane cake and sweet potato soufflé.
I am from homemade Halloween costumes and home-baked birthday cakes.
From crafts and cooking, thank you notes and gifts tied up in bows.
I am from my dad, Richard, raised in the Midwest
From Webster’s, correct grammar, multiplication tables and base 5.
I am from tolerance, patience and security.
From thinking and puzzling and getting it right.
I am from, “You can do anything you set your mind to.”
I’m from my parents, my brother, my family.
From road trips west and beach vacations south,
From airplanes, passport stamps and adventure.
I’m from ‘Hey, ya’ll’ and ‘yes, ma’am’
From “Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn.’
I’m from wading through creeks and wandering the woods,
From scorching summer days at the pool, from sunburn and freckles.
I am from New Jersey, born in America on the 4th of July.
Georgia raised, North Carolina schooled, paused now in Illinois.
I am a teacher, a parent, an artist.
A daughter, a sister, a student, an athlete, an activist, a seeker.
In my house there are photos and memories of those who are dear.
They shape me and guide me.
In my heart there is strength and elasticity, courage and tears, laughter and wonder.
I am from here and I am from there.
That’s where I’m from.