Where I’m From - my version

Have you ever read the poem, “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon? You should.

And then you should write you own version of that poem. Thousands of people have sifted through their memories, and delivered beautiful works of poetry by following the “guideline” to writing their own “Where I’m From” poem. I did it several years back, and I’m reposting it now because I had recently found some wonderful pieces by folks on the Internet. You can search for ‘em, there are tons floating around.

It’s a thought-provoking “assignment” and I just know that some of y’all could do wonders with it. You ought to give it a try, see what you come up with.

The guideline, for if you decide to participate:

1. I am from _______ (specific ordinary item), from _______ (product name) and _______.

2. I am from the _______ (home description… adjective, adjective, sensory detail).

3. I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail).

4.  I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name).

5. I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one).

6. From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another).

7. I am from _______ (representation of religion, or lack of it).

Further description

8. I am from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family).

9. From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member).

10. I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

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And, of course, my version of “Where I’m From”.

I am from record players, art supplies and tire swings. I am from GI Joes, classic Care Bears and flannel sheets.

I am from the Sunshine State, from sugar cane and pineapple fields. I am from the beaches on the Pacific Ocean and a dysfunctional military home with high expectations and alcoholism.

I am from the bird of paradise, hibiscus plants, sweet-smelling gardenia bushes and budding dogwoods.

I am from an Irish temper, German beer and English bulldogs. I am from redneck country with green, rolling hills and pigeon speaking haolis.

I am from air craft carriers, helicopters and F-14s. I am from lonely afternoons after school and tear-filled good-byes.

I am from Julia, Joyce and Johnny. I am from amazing people whom I never got the chance to meet, though the stories of them intrigue me greatly. I am from homemade fudge that was always made without a recipe and measuring supplies, quilt racks and White Lightning.

I am from fish fries, camping along Kentucky Lake and fun-filled road trips.

I am from the Methodist church, and though I don’t represent like I should, I still have my own relationship with God.

I am from tales of life on the sea, fresh vegetables every night and cooking my first Thanksgiving at the age of 12. I am from Christmas phone calls to Kentucky while wearing shorts on the North Shore.

I am from Florida and the west coast, where a good bye to friends was always around the corner. I am from hurricanes, earthquakes, mud slides and tornadoes.

I am from teri beef and sticky rice.

I am from Air Force drop outs who met by chance signing up for the Navy. I am from people that broke their backs for pennies just to feed their youngins.

I am from a man who smiled with his eyes, laughed from his gut and loved from within. I am from a man who I wish I could have met but was called to God too soon.

I am from a cedar chest that reminds me of hard work well spent, a closet full of shot guns and a shiny revolver, a 58 Chevy, and a room full of framed Rockwells and paintings by Salvador Dali.

I am from love, laughter and living like there is no tomorrow . . .

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Good luck!