2-A-2

= Home > Activity 2-A-2: Where I'm From=

Instructions:

 * 1) Read the poem Where I'm From by George Ella Lyons. If you wish, you can also listen to the author read her poem by clicking on the speaker next to the words "Listen to George Ella read the poem."
 * 2) Compare this to some student examplesbased on this poem.
 * 3) In a word processing document, w rite your own I am from… poem following the basic structure provided in the examples. Use images and metaphors for multiple senses. You may use this templateas a guide for your poem.
 * 4) Post your poem to the course wiki:
 * Click the ** Edit ** tab in the upper-right corner.
 * Scroll down the page until you see the first empty Where I'm From Poem space.
 * Highlight the " Enter your name here. " text and type your name.
 * Copy your poem text from the word processing document. Highlight the " Paste your poem here. " text and paste your poem.
 * Press ** Save ** on the Editor bar.
 * 1) Comment on at least two other people's poems. In your comments, note any images that stood out to you from the poem and compare your own experiences to those of your peers. To comment:
 * Click the ** Edit ** tab in the upper-right corner.
 * Scroll down the page until you see the comment section under the poem you want to comment on.
 * Type your comments followed by your first name and last initial.
 * Press ** Save ** on the Editor bar.

Where I'm From Poems

 * Name:** Christina Schriner

**// WHERE I'M FROM //** I am from rolling hills and porch swings, from pine sol and elbow grease. I am from the transplanted grapevine clumsily climbing and winding around the birdbath made by the hands of my grandpa. I am from the Lily of the Valley, the bluffs that overlook the Missouri River and the muddy Mississippi. I am from “root, root, root for the Cardinals” and chunky cheeks, from Michael and Teresa and Laytons and DeMarcos ~ stubborn and loud, but open and warm. I am from the hardworking and caring lot that will sit and tell stories and do anything for a friend or neighbor in need. From the original desta du and the kitchen that was always working and ready to feed anyone that entered; friend or family…planned or unexpected. I am from the Catholic Faith, PSR classes and teaching nuns. Of strict rules and guidelines but really spirituality, faith, and a belief in something bigger than me is the most important. I'm from St. Louis and the rolling hills of northern Italy before, of speidini and slaw rolled and spooned by my two grandfathers. From the boat that crossed the ocean and landed at Ellis Island, the coal mines in the mountains of Pennsylvania, the corner store manned by generations of family, and the pub that was the same and will, someday, be back again. I am from the reels of super 8 film, boxes of faces that look like mine, and stories that pass down from the lips of those that came before me that I hold tight to so that I too may share them with my two daughters and beyond. From the work ethic and kindness of my sweet Helen Louise who I smell in passing, hear laughing in the wind, and see in my girls.
 * Poem:**


 * Comments: Christina, you really get a sense of who you are from this poem and paint a beautiful picture! SherryB.**
 * Thanks Sherry!**
 * You used great imagery in your poem. I could visually picture each line. Well done! - Kimberly Foust**
 * Thanks Kim!**
 * Christina, I appreciated the sense of family history I got through your poem and the importance that is to you. The line that stood out for me was about the kitchen that was ready to feed anyone that entered. I would not say that was entirely true of my house growing up, but both my wife and I try to demonstrate hospitality to others so our own children can see that modeled. Thanks for sharing!-John Marc M.**
 * The phrase that stands out for me is, "boxes of faces that look like mine" - your meaning is so clear here and for many of our families resemblance is so strong. Thank you for sharing. -Shannon B.**


 * Name:** Sherry Bereznak

I am from the summers filled with beaches and pools, from the smell of bath and body works and the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables. I am from the rolling hills in northeastern Pa, small valley surrounded by mountains, colorful greens and houses for miles. I am from the smell of roses, fresh cut grass and wintery crisp snow in December. I am from holiday dinners, cooking and cookouts and hours of talking about anything, from my mother and aunts and grandmother. I am from the endless family get togethers and countless days shopping. From learning to always keep family close and you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I am from a catholic religion. I'm from the birth in Hazleton pa and the tyrollian, Italian,Russian, Slovakian, polish ancestry and the smell of pasta and turkey roasting in the oven. From the early loss of my father when I was only 12 the birth of my niece at 10 llbs on December 8 2010 and the strength of my mother to complete college in 2 years to become a teacher when she needed to. I am from many old photos, cooking utensils, baseball cars, old refinished pieces of furniture, and old cookbooks, all items that could never be sold, they are worth to much.
 * Poem:** Where I am From


 * Comments: Are you anywhere near Dunbar, PA? That's where my grandpa landed after they came over on a boat from Italy. I got the chance to go back to Pittsburg area for the first time as an adult a few years ago to observe a modelling approach in a classroom and fell in love with the Allegheny area. I still have loads of family in Dunbar & Uniontown and after my trip we actually got back in contact with them. I have a great-aunt that's 80+ and still working in the family store there. As for your poem I can vividly picture your experience! Nice work! -Christina**
 * Not to sure where Dunbar is, but Uniontown sounds familiar. I could see how you fell in love with Pitt, it is a great place!**
 * My husband is from Western Pa so I know those rolling hills well. Pennsylvania is beautiful. I was 10lbs 2oz at birth and also a December baby. My older sister was 8lbs 2oz so my mom decided to stop after me. She didn't want to give birth to a 12lb 2oz baby. :-) - Kimberly Foust**
 * Sherry, isn't amazing what our mothers can do when they need to. You have honored her well in this line. -Shannon B.**

I am from ribbons and curls, and all that is girls, from McDonald’s happy meals and oven ready pizza. I am from a home of brokenness in two generations I am from a mother who supported two girls with little money, but lots of love. I am from the Strattons, Halls, and O’Briens, where commitment is lacking but love is strong. I am from the North, South, East, and West; where visits every other weekend became normal. From learn to live simply and expect a little but give a lot. I am from the blood of Christ where grace and forgiveness are evident in His unconditional love. I am from the Midwest where corn is abundant, Sunday dinner is Grandma Shirley’s fried chicken, and our two favorite teams are IU and whoever plays Purdue. From Papa John who was the most genuine grandfather I ever had, even if it was just through marriage From a Step-father who raised me as if I was his own I am from scrapbooks of photos, thread from quilts too numerous to count, and cake pans galore. I am from a mosaic, from biology and environment, from heartache and pain, from love that was chosen and not just required.
 * Name: Kimberly Foust**
 * Poem:**


 * Comments: Kim, great poem I really got a sense of who you are and love the opening line, it made me smile! SherryB.**
 * Thanks! It was very difficult for me to do and took some time. I am not a poet! :-)**
 * I completely understand the "not a poet" part. My sister is the "writer" in our house, but it was fun to pretend. Took me forever, and needed a template to fill in, but whatever. HA! Good job! Christinarly**
 * Kimberly, thank you for your poem! I connected to your testimony about the blood of Christ as the means of your forgiveness as I trust in the same. Your description of your families was kind of the opposite of my own growing up. My parents were very commited to each other, but the love for each other wasn't always there which eventually ended in divorce. Thanks for your sharing!-John Marc M.**
 * Kim, this is a great poem, I was also raised by a step-father that raised me as my own. I am really glad that you shared your poem.**
 * Jillianne Bowman**
 * Kim, you may not see yourself as a poet, but in this work, your life became one. Many of the lines evoked emotion in me especially, "From learn to live simply and expect a little but give a lot." This says so much. And our family are also Hoosier fans. IU is where my husband and I met. Go Big Red! - Shannon B.**

I am from a book, from a Rawlings baseball glove and a bat. I am from a simple home in a poor neighborhood but I didn’t know it until I left. I am from the trees and the flowing creeks that provided a break from life in a city. I am from a home where my Dad and I would always put up the Christmas tree and try to sneak cookies that were made only for Christmas, an only child from parents and grandparents and just a few aunts and uncles. I am from a home where everybody kept to themselves and didn’t really talk that much and yet we still loved each other. From “Always do your best” and “What did you learn at school today?” I am not from, but I am a Christian. A sinner saved by grace that is grateful for it every day. A person far from perfect and is trusting only in the death of Christ to atone for my sins. I’m from Sharon, Pennsylvania in the western part of the state and from Ireland generations before me, but you wouldn’t know it based on our family’s love of ravioli and spaghetti and meatballs. From the hardworking steel mill nature of a grandfather I remember little about except the constant piece of peppermint in his mouth, the grandmother who never had a job but whom I spent most summer days with as a child growing up doing everything from going to yard sales to going with her to buy her lottery tickets for the day, and the father who demonstrated the willingness to start a second career after 25 years at a company that filed for bankruptcy. I am from the memories of the past that made me who I am. Though my present is very much different from my past, I am thankful for the past as those events and experiences molded me into the man I am today, and there can be no price tag put on them.
 * Name:** John Marc Murphy
 * Poem:**
 * Comments: John Marc, nice work! I like your poem. One quote that stood out was "What did you learn at school today?" and that was the standard that was always asked at my house. I'm taking a class besides this one currently and a classmate of mine said in her house she replaced "what did you learn" with "what questions did you ask today?" I thought that was pretty cool and will be stealing it to ask my own children. :) Christina**
 * I can very much relate to your last line about the "memories of the past made me who I am", and my "present is very much dfferent from my past." Even though I had a difficult upbringing, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am stronger for it and thankful to have grown up with a surplus of love rather than money. Like you said, it's made me who I am today. Thank you for your openness. - Kimberly Foust**
 * John, this poem is very honest and open, thank you for your honesty around the way your family keeps to themselves. I understand that many families are like that as well, including mine. Jillianne Bowman**


 * Name:** Jillianne Bowman

I am from bright lights, from gambling and dancing I am from the sounds of coins falling into a metal bowl making a joyous noise. I am from the rolling cactus, the hot sand that sits in a desert I am from the church and faith based family love, from Bowman and Fahrner and Talbott. I am from the crazy Christmas’ and big hugs. From loving God more than anything and nothing is as important as family. I am from the Church of Christ. Which is stronger in the south. I'm from Las Vegas where gambling is everywhere, made with Judy’s enchiladas and home made tortilla chips. From the home a many sisters and one brother. I am from a home of everything new, nothing saved except the most treasured photos.
 * Poem:**


 * Comments:**


 * Name:** Shannon Bain


 * Poem:**
 * Where I'm From**

I am from mainsails and jibs, from Hunters and Sunfish. I am from the wind swept sails. I am from the diving from the boom, getting hauled up the mast. I am from Low Country Boils and Irish tempers, from Pat and Connee’s and Murray’s. I am from the coming about’ers and the jibers. From “it won’t flip” and “the boat will right itself”. I am from the __c__atholics, the Christians and the Methodists, where the golden rule still remains, and liberation theology was the foundation for social justice. From doing what’s right even when it’s not popular, from hope and love beyond reason. I'm from Chicago, Lake Geneva, the Quad Cities and Ireland, sweet corn, brats roasting over the grill and s’mores in a campfire, the aroma melting into our clothes. From the boom hitting your head, the projectile hot dogs. I am from the fading pictures in the albums of tanned bodies and sunny days that remind me of the sounds of waves on the hull, waking up to the sunny morning to jump into the clear deep waters.


 * Comments:**
 * My step-father is from Irish descent (O'Brien) so I know that Irish temper well. :-) He was also Catholic and I grew up Christian so I experience multiple religions as well. I love the imagery of your campfire and the "aroma melting into our clothes." I am familiar with that smell as well. - Kimberly Foust**


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