Where I’m From is poem by George Ella Lyon that has become a popular poem to mimic. I’ve done this exercise before, so I thought it would be fun to give it another go.
The title is pretty self explanatory–write a poem (or in whatever form you want) about where you’re from. (Here’s more about it.) Let me know if you try it out!
Where I’m From
By Zarah Parker
I am from chipped
blue paint that hid behind
a misbegotten garden
and a porch with a sliding door,
that was only ever locked by
a rod slid in the crack between
the wall and glass.
I am from three bedrooms,
and six bodies piled in a living
room, and late night static TV.
I am from my hand on an antenna
and father telling me to move it left.
I am from tall oak trees rooted
in a grassless sea.
I am from a Saturday of digging
up dirt, filling it with water,
and swimming in a muddy river,
I am from Sunday dresses
with chocolate mints hidden
in the ribbon, and singing hymns
between my mother and father,
and wondering if they prayed.
I am from sweet sugar on
a donut after Amen.
I am from chilly bowl haircuts
and bottle coke glasses.
I am from laundry piled
like a mountain–like the dishes
in the sink.
I am from a nickel
for gum, and ice cream
for a dollar.
Damn fine Zarah!
Pulled me right in with ever verse.
I would have to imagine, though that your “from” are from another age. An age of innocence and hard work. This as a tribute to them is telling and heartfelt. I felt it. In my heart.
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Thanks! It’s one of my favorite exercises 😊
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Every
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This is excellent! Such a neat exercise and your poem is gorgeous.
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Thanks, I appreciate that!
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This is fuckin’ wonderful. I could feel it in my chest.
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Haha, thank you! You should try the exercise.
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I think I’ll give it a shot sometime.
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