I am From

In a class last summer, I was given an assignment to write an "I am from" poem.  Inspired by George Ella Lyon.  Her website listed below has a recording of her reciting her poem.  I love it.

http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html

I have written and re-written this poem several times.  Here is the latest version:

I Am From

by Molly Doolittle Perkins

I am from a home filled with antiques,

and silly country geese,

from Maple Avenue,

and summers on the shore,

I am from the sweet smell of applesauce,

jumping through piles of leaves,

a rusty swing set, where dolls’ clothes hung on a line,

Beaudog’s “string”

and blue flowers carpeting the lawn in spring,

I am from Mable, Mable, keep your elbows off the table,

and “We’ll see”,

and “Don’t Slam The Door!”

from good night tuck ins

and morning groans,

from dogs’ barks,

and Dad’s snores,

and Mom talking on the phone,

I am from swim lessons,

sun burn,

and pulling up lobster pots,

from salty air,

to tangled hair,

and dinners of shortcake,

I am from picnics on a blanket,

and warm cream of wheat,

snow women on the lawn,

and always a tasty treat,

I am from colorguard and band geeks

from crisp fall days

marching to the beat,

I am from UVM

from Rolling Rock to Labatt Blue,

Dad swears I came back a liberal,

I’m from Simmons

and Children’s lit,

I’m from an acupuncture tester

to regular client

From Sandborn Ave

to one of the girls of 46A

I am from Line Street

with ice man neighbors

and deli guys in the “back yard”

I’m from Dunning in the “Ham”,

and Katherine Lee Bates

from third grade to fourth grade,

and now up to fifth.

I’m from Marathons

and fundraisers,

and Go Liver!

I am from cross country road trips

to rafting the Colorado,

to the Viking museum in Norway.

I am from rocket rooms

and robots

to flying kites

from playing pool at diesel

to running Crossroads.

I’m from pizza night,

and Harpoon,

from friends,

to love

to Hinterkins

I am from adventure.

I am from places of love.