Where We're From Poetry...

This week's post is based on the poem "Where I'm From" by George Etta Lyon, a poem that has been used as inspiration and model in many teaching/learning settings, with both adults and adolescents. Each student wrote a full-length poem, then chose one stanza to contribute to our community poem. We hope you enjoy reading our work.

We Are Room 23

I am from the sandy, warm beaches of Jamaica,
From Christmas gift strings to be untangled leading us to our big present.
I am from ice cream and Friday night movies,
From playing Monopoly and Clue with a bit of Creationary.

I am from changing diapers,
And rocking chairs,
Singing lullabies and soft cries.
I am from my sister, Emma.

I am from long camping trips,
And competitive games of Monopoly,
That could last for days,
From Magic Tree House books, all 43 of them,
And opening one gift on Christmas Eve.

I am from volcanoes surrounded by frozen waters,
And tribal wars, a modge podge, a muddle of things.
I am from leprecons, and bag pipes, an banjos on the back porch,
And noises from German throats, and Portuguese, a modge podge, a muddle of things.

I am from Polly Pocket weddings,
And Bratz doll fights.
I am from crying while the teacher reads,
Where the Red Fern Grows.

I am from family in outer-space,
And an incredible space launch,
From a family of luck,
And from amazing moments.

I am from lush trees, soothing lakes, and Rocky Mountains,
From salty air, heavy wind,
And waves crashing on the shore of Fort Bragg.
I am from playful dogs called Novarro and Carmen,
Keeping me up at night.
I am from staying up all night watching scary movies with friends.

I am from a nice juicy gar-b-que steak,
And mashed potatoes on a nice day,
And tacos and tamales on Christmas.

I am from “Fiction” and “Nightmare,”
From fingerprints to detailed shadings.
I am from lyric reading to mesmerize,
From loud music on weekends.
I am from Converse and band ‘tees,
From hanging with friends and sleeping out on the trampoline.

I am from soccer practices and games two times a week,
Watching Spongebob Squarepants and Fairly Odd Parents every morning,
Playing Polly Pockets, Barbies, and Bratz with friends,
I am from reading Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House,
Eating PB&J’s and coming home with scraped up knees.

I am from trampolines and rope swings,
From trees and goats, from snowboarding,
I am from Superman and root beer floats.

I am from the fog romping around with Waffles and the other dogs,
And climbing in the maple tree with her.
I am from snuggling with Waffles on the futon in the small living room.
I am from finding Waffles chewing on my stuffies.

I am from a small town where kids walk all around,
From a place where you can swim as well as sled.
I am from late night scary movie marathons with friends,
From nail polish, makeup, and hair curlers.

I am from a colorful green environment,
From quietness and trees.
I am from a soft squishy couch,
From loud TV and video games.

I am from camping at Pismo Beach,
From racing the dunes for hours,
From digging a hole the rest of the day,
And fighting for blankets through the night.

I am from crystal clear water and bright orange trees,
And from deer and quail with young ones at their heels,
From the small town with the "Corner Creatures."

I am from plenty of Ponderosa trees and a windy road.
From a twisty creek that only runs in the spring.
I am from a forest of trees, blue-green water and a sandy beach,
From a dog who will never walk calmly.

I am from candles, plants, grass, weeds, and blackberries,
Home-grown vegetables, and too-hot-to-eat, burn-your-mouth peppers.
I am from green bean casserole and macaroni and cheese,
From wild, silly pets, loving relatives, and little children surrounding me.

I am from first grade poems,
With a star on the door,
From cameras ready for the show,
“Encore, encore!”

I am from camping, camping, and camping some more,
Dirty faces, marshmallows, and freezing cold water,
From windy afternoons, baths in a creek, and nosy little bears,
Cozy fires, booneywacking, and birthdays in camp.

I am from eggs Benedict at Hotbrew’s.
I am from Fortuna.
I am from rats and scooters in the house,
And from rainy days.

I am from Polly Pockets and stuffed animals galore,
And too many tea parties I can’t even count.
I am from nights of Where’s My Teddy?, Messes of Dresses, Horton Hears a Who,
And Happy Birthday to You.

We Are Room 23