Where I'm From

By Susie Rogers, ELA 5th-8th Grades

As the 8th graders are about to embark on their new chapter away from St. James, we read and analyzed the poem, “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon as a way to reflect. They then were asked to write their own poem based on the same premise. Students brainstormed, created, illustrated, and presented their poems to the class. For the most part, these students have been classmates and friends their entire school days, but each person learned something new about one another during this process. Glimpses of childhood days, dreams, and fears brought laughter, gasps, and applause. Enjoy some of the wonderful poetry lines below!

“I am from the glow of the sunrise over the pasture.’ KO

“I’m from ‘slap yo mama’ seasoning’ JC

“I'm from singing and praying and a lot of playing.” ML

I am from “life is only what you make it” and “hope for the best, plan for the worst” CW

I am from high heels and pink tutus.

From towering oak trees swaying with the spring breeze. EF

I am from bigfoot hunts in the backyard and

afternoon walks around the neighborhood. AY

I’m from “Watch your mouth”, “money doesn’t grow on trees”, and “Whatcha Talkin Bout Willis” BB

I’m from watching fireworks by the lake in the back of a truck

and seashells from all around the world JT

I am from the rusty old radio