Ava- Where I'm From

Our class has written poems based on the borrowed title and general formatting found in a poem originally written by George Ella Lyons.

Where I'm From
by Ava

I am from the laundry,
from All soap and Clorox.
I am from the mulch under my slide,
sharp, splintered--
it felt like the bark on a tree.
I am from the trees.
The roses,
so prickly, but beautiful.
I am from the movie nights,
and the believers,
from Papa and Mimi
and Kiki.
I am from the busy-bees
and the smarties.
From Go to sleep!
and Do your best.
I am from the Baptist church,
where I learn about God.
I am from the UNC hospital,
and from a great-grandfather from Ireland.
From potatoes and haggis.
I am from the day my father died,
and the time I lost a bet.
I found special family photos in a book.
I am from those memories--
those special things that make up who
I am.