Purpose: Each of us is shaped by our experiences. Whether they are uniquely individualized, or shaped with others in our age group, our experiences affect who we are and who we become. It is important to recognize and value who we are as individuals so that we can better appreciate the community we make up.

Directions: Read the following poem by George Ella Lyon, and notice the details she includes to capture the moments, people, and memories that were important in shaping her life.

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 am 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 cotton lamb

And ten verses I can 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

Brainstorm a list for each of the following labels. Try to be as specific as you can.

Items found around your home:

Items found in your yard:

Names of relatives, especially ones that link you to the past:

Sayings:

Names of food and dishes that recall family gatherings:

Names of places you keep your childhood memories:

You may want to create a chart like the one below, or to simply list on your paper.

Items found around your home / Items found in your yard
Names of relatives linked with past / Sayings
Food dishes recalling family gatherings / Places you keep childhood memories

Where I’m From

I am from fairy tales and Dr. Seuss, Beverly Clearly and Judy Blume

From swimming lessons, soccer practice, softball, and dance class

I am from VCRs and Intelevision (not Atari, sorry!)

From Go Fish, Uno, Monopoly, and Trivial Pursuit

I am from Batackas—beating the frustration out on my brother

From summer rides on Daddy Doney’s drivable lawnmower

I remember the pungent smell of oil and gas

the mirage of hazy heat in July.

I am from the swing set, “Higher, Daddy! Higher!”

To trying to climb out of SpaceMountain with Mom—mid ride—first time.

I am from scholars and blue collars

From Doney and Jimmye, Willard and Kay

From biscuits and Sorghum molasses, steak and eggs.

I am from “Do not enumerate your juvenile poultry”

From “I am sorry” to “I accept your apology”

(I have learned to forgive).

I am from Pete and Sue

Ham and green potatoes

From parents who vowed, “Till death do we part,” and meant it,

Whose home always has space for one more.

Pictures lined the staircase;

Videotapes replaced reel-to-reel, captured essence as well as image;

Journals and poetry notebooks recorded my thoughts, emotions, questions, opinions.

I am from the juxtaposition of opposites

From wisdom of old dressed in new clothes

Not always recognized, but always remembered.

Carla Kay Webber