Natalie- 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 Natalie

I am from the sink,
from Dawn and the sponge.
I am from the carpet in my media room,
soft and cozy.
It smelled new and comforting.
I am from the crepe myrtle tree,
the pansies, the bright colors
of bright flowers planted years ago.
I am from the Sunday church-goers and
funny, silly family time.
From Erik and Ethan and Nik.
I'm from the laugh-ers, the jokers.
From be-cool-stay-in-school,
and listen-to-your-mother.
I'm from the book that is read and
the crafts that are done in Sunday school.
I'm from California,
Swedish meatballs and scones.
From the heart attack my UNC-love grandfather had
to that laser that was put in my father's eye so he wouldn't need glasses.
In my mother's big walk-in closet, hidden away are pictures.
I'm from the small house,
that was always small,
but gave me perspective.

Rachel- 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 Rachel

I am from the kitchen,
from the Whirlpool dishwasher and oven.
I am from the family room,
brown, orange.
It smelled like dinner floating in from the kitchen.
I am from the gardenias,
the rosemary bush--
they are the best smelling things ever.
I am from the home-cooked meals,
from my mom, my dad
and Sarah.
I am from running-into-things,
and Go brush your teeth!
and I-love-yous.
I am from Christmases and Thanksgivings.
I am from the South,
from hush puppies and country bar-b-que.
From falling off the jungle gyms
and breaking your arm,
from my uncle not waking up from his sleep.
I am from the pictures on my mom's computer,
from the Tar Heel State.

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.

Kayla- 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 Kayla

I am from the cleaner,
from Lysol and Febreeze.
I am from the rose bush
pink and leafy,
it felt like cotton.
I am from the tulips,
the tree in the front yard,
the curled branches for climbing.
I am from the get-togethers
and New York Christmases.
From Helen and Diana and David.
I am from the last-minuters
and the forgetfuls,
from I-didn't-do-it! and
You-can-shush-now.
I am from the songs floating through my head.
I'm from New York and Sweden,
Swedish meatballs and pancakes
From the lawn mower cutting off three toes of my uncle's mom,
and the fake eye of my grandmother.
From dresser drawers full of photos.
I am from the New Yorkers in those photos.