Where I’m From I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon tetrachloride, I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening, it tasted like beets.) I am from the forsythia bush the Dutch elm whose long-gone limbs I remember as if they were my own. I’m from fudge and eyeglasses, from Imogene and Alafair. I’m from the Know-it-alls and the pass it ons, from Perk up! And Pipe down! I’m from He restoreth my soul with a cotton ball lamb and ten verses I say myself. I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch fried corn and strong coffee. From the finger my grandfather lost to the auger, the eye my father shut to keep his sight. Under my bed was a dress box spilling old pictures, a sift of lost faces to drift beneath my dreams. I am from those moments-- snapped before I budded-- leaf-fall from the family tree. ~George Ella Lyon

“Where I’m From” Think Sheet……Use the trigger words to brainstorm ideas to be incorporated into your poem. objects: stories/central events: what grew/grows in your yard images smells religious/spiritual/Sundays relatives’ names voices tastes town/streets family traits play/games hiding places other people’s words

Where I’m From Mrs. Phelps’s Poem Brainstorming

Where I’m From I am from a stand-up porch swing, from fireflies and a swimming pool. I am from the large, grassy hill outside of my grandparent’s apartment. (Bumpy, steep, rolling down as tight as a fruit roll-up.) I am from flower beds colored flowers of bright pink and purple whose underneath inhabited a family of rabbits with baby bunnies I wanted to take home as pets.   I’m from lemon pies and fake teeth, from Rosemary to Chillicothe I’m from tough baked chicken And swishy white rice from Missoura and the word, worsh! I’m from Grandma’s lap, soft and warm hearing the faint sound of the pastor’s voice waking up just in time for the service’s ending I’m from the Lake of Egypt and Marion Old man smell and hearing aids From the red fury eyes after showcasing, his undergarments to house full of guests.   I am from grandparents and role models overflowing with love and tender memories, never to forget the soft embraces and whispers of kindness I am from a delightful childhood— impacted by two beautiful people. - A. Phelps

“Where I’m From” Rubric Content: *The poem’s rhythm is natural and flowing. 10 *The poem’s strong imagery paints vivid pictures. 25 *The poem has effective sensory detail. 15 *Punctuation appropriately enhances poem’s fluency. 10 Conventions: *Spelling and usage are correct. 10 *Spacing, line breaks, and stanzas enhance poem’s fluency and presentation. 10 *Title is capitalized correctly w/ no “ ” ‘s or underlining. 10 Technology *Poem’s final presentation follows guidelines. 10