Thanks to A Circle of Quiet, I read about a writing contest to encourage bloggers to post their “Where I Am From” poems, sponsored by Joy in the Morning. This is based on the poem Where I’m From by George Ella Lyons. You can read the entire poem here. If you would like to write your own, click here for the template. To enter the contest, you must post your poem before June 21st at 11:59 EDT. Following is my poem.
Where I’m From
I am from softballs, from Furr’s Cafeteria and ice cream with little wooden spoons.
I am from hiding in the laundry hamper, duck when a car comes, pet mice, kittens, blue glass bathroom knobs, “made in occupied Japan” figurines, and pink shag carpet. From Lollie, Panda, and Robbie.
I am from the Caudles’ attic and Grandmother Warden’s front porch swing.
I am from the mimosa tree with the concrete patch in the middle, the weeping willow and the magnolia, window boxes with red geraniums.
I am from family loyalty and ringing in New Year’s Eve on the curbside with the tambourine, from Aunt Thelma and Aunt Mayme, Grandmother and Granddad Piles, and Grandmother and Pappy. I am from real hot chocolate and homemade chocolate covered cherries on Christmas Eve.
I am from my father’s honesty and my mother’s wisdom.
From “don’t eat ice cream and go outside,” and “more can be bought.”
I am from the Old Baptists and salvation by grace. I am from annual meetings, foot washing, lunch at church, and Amazing Grace.
I’m from the South – “American by birth, but Southern by the grace of God,” biscuits dipped in sorghum and butter, cornbread in a cast iron skillet, hot brownies covered in melted butter, Mrs. Butterworth, and JIF.
From marking the “day of terror” on calendars with Blake; Skip-Bo, Taboo, and Trivial Pursuit at the kitchen table; softball tournaments; Laura falling over with her blanket; Barbies with Jamie; playing HORSE with Daddy, Blake, and Steve.
I am from Daddy’s guitar and watching him sing with Mother for hours at a time. I am from Brown-Eyed Girl, Hang on Sloopy, and Teenager in Love.
I am from Fort Smith, from Jasper and Eureka Springs and Weleetka, from riding behind Daddy on the back of a motorcycle. I am from a family with roots that time or distance can’t sever.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow Dawn! That was an awsome poem!You have inspired to write my own – not for the contest but just to have one! Thank You!
I enjoyed that! You are a wonderful writer. :-)
That was really nice. I’ve read a number of those in people’s blogs, but couldn’t get it to make sense for myself. It’s a great post!
As a fellow Southern girl, I relate to so much of what you wrote…and is there any other way to make cornbread besides in a cast iron skillet? :-) I love this place we call home….
Before I forget…I love your word cloud. The words “dearest, family, kids and life” just jumped out at me.
I didn’t see this when it went around but I wish I had and I may do it anyway just because it’s wonderful. “Biscuits dipped in sorghum and butter” immediately took me back to my grandma’s table. And Jasper.