Sunday, July 31, 2011

Where I'm From

A few days ago we were challenged with a writing prompt in one of our writer critique groups (TWV2). We were given a template based on George Ella Lyon's poem, "Where I'm From" and encouraged to open memory files from long ago to create a few stanzas about our lives, sharing details and events and pictures to unravel the mystery of our beginning. 


I was going to skip the assignment because I was out of town with friends for the weekend , but had so much fun reading every one's poems that I decided to write my own. (My friends joined in the fun and wrote their own poems, too.)

My attempt:

I am from down by the river, living cane poles and corks bobbing, running trot lines with my dad, capturing crawfish in front yard ditches, and an old aluminum boat.

I am from GT classes, bubblegum prizes in chalk board math races, impromptu speeches and spelling bees, and traveling the world in a fourth grade reading loft.

I am from unfinished closets, peanut butter and syrup sandwiches, falling asleep to the rattle of box fans, family vacations in a one-room tent and RC Cola. From East Texas pine trees, the sweet smell of honey suckles and picking berries against barbed wire fences.

I am from Smiths and Ludwigs, Larry and Martha, Paw Paw Hans and Granny Lucille, Gib and Grandma Nathalie, family-loving, hard-working and selfless sacrifices.

I am from suspicious reindeer tracks on a dirt driveway, milk and cookies for Santa, mom and dad who gave everything, and a Christmas parade in a town of 8000.

I am from school lunches planned and packed with expert care, a wave from the front porch when getting on the bus, pinto beans and rice more than once a week, and digging potatoes in the garden.

I am from rainbow snow cones at Vacation Bible School, Sunday morning specials beside the old Baptist piano, a new church at fourteen, banned rock music and an unknown tongue.

I am from imperfect places and God's grace and the things that matter most. From love, family and a Savior Who died so I could live.

*************************************
I think I may do this more than once.:)  If you decide to try it for yourself, please leave a comment and a link to your post. I would love to read your story.

6 friends had this to say:

Anonymous said...

I used to do this activity with my students! It was one of the first things we did at the beginning of the school year. It really helped me get to know them and work on opening their creative minds a little bit. Thanks for sharing!

starla said...

I really really really like this post..so I thought I would give it a try. Will post on my poetry blog tomorrow morning :0) SOOO COOL!!!

Danielle said...

I love it! Have never seen anything like it before. May have to give it a shot.

What is this critique group your talking about!

ittybittyaddition said...

I absolutely LOVE this!! We were truly blessed to have the childhood we did...I am forever grateful for it. Reading this just took me back in time to all of your memories...and how much it means that you are my sister!! I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL!! :)XOXOXO

thefisherlady said...

I also just Love this! I come here from Starla...from Seventy Piggies...
So glad I found these beautiful thoughts and graces!

Lana said...

This is great for homeschoolers.

I'm going to use it soon!