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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Where I'm From

My sister posted her version of this poem, which she had to do for a Comp class, then issued a challenge for readers to write their own. I've been working on it for 3 days now. (The little squeaking pink bundle in my arms has provided a wonderfully effective distraction. She's with her Auntie Kim right now, so here you go.)

I am from a wooden rocking chair, three-children old, from Heinz 57 and adjustable plastic roller skates.
I am from the always shared bedroom, top bunk then bottom bunk, Pegasus and princess stories to fall asleep to, wrapped in pastel flowered sheets.
I am from the honeysuckle (sweet summer snack), the sourgrass patch (eat it if you dare).
I am from homemade doughnuts for the bake sale and Mom-approved multi-colored hair, from Blanche and Min and theirs before them.
I am from the address in pencil and tattoos from Missouri.
From "to whom much is given, much is required" and "privilege and responsibility walk hand in hand."
I am from church when it was open, learning to hear God's voice and knowing He is our source. 
I'm from 1/32nd Choctaw and half Jew, from the land of the Golden Driller and Praying Hands, shepherd's pie and the world's best brownies.
From the hippies in a prayer circle and fork scars in the hand.
I am from walls covered with generational smiles, shelves of collections, and stories told with older, wiser voices to younger, better ears (pierced maybe a few too many times). 

Are you up to the challenge? Go here for the template, then post yours on your blog, then leave me the link in the comments. If you don't have a blog, you can leave your whole poem in the comments.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks Anna that was great!. Much better than mine!

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  2. Anna, I love it. I am going to go ahead and use the template to post it on my blog.

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  3. I am from an 8 passenger station wagon, from Sears & Robuck and Montgomery Ward catalogues, from everyone always getting everything in his/her own color, mine is blue.

    I am from the two story white house with red trimmed windows next to the empty lot where all the neighborhood kids play.

    I am from tulips and climbing roses in the front and pruned, staked tomato plants scenting the air all summer in the back yard.

    I am from Dad and the boys fixing hamburgers every Saturday and inde"damn"pendence, from Mas before she was Ma Bell, and Dad before he was Poppo and "Bell" - a chosen name.

    I am from always seeking knowledge, wisdom and answers and freely sharing heart, home and family.

    I am from family is your foundation and "hunger is the best sauce" meant as a compliment.

    I am from Baptist tempered Catholicism, knowing God is real and really knows me and really loves me.

    I am from Chicago and a long line of strong women, from two dozen scrambled eggs, two pounds of bacon and two dozen rolls for Sunday breakfast and tuna sandwiches or fish sticks on Friday.

    From two people meeting at a drug store soda fountain late at night and each knowing "he/she's the ONE." From checking the fried chicken leg list to see if it's my turn. From dinner together at 5 o'clock on the dot - no excuses.

    I am from Mas' yearly scrapbooks with pictures, cards, awards and newspaper articles in chronological order, and poring over them with laugher with others and then finding time alone to look, feel, remember and reflect the wonders of the love of my family.

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  4. Love it! Here is mine!
    http://lizsarno.com

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  5. You are my inspiration..thanks..that was therapeutic and fun

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  6. I finally did mine! Thanks for sharing this and giving me the idea originally!!

    http://lindseyvanniekerk.blogspot.com/2011/07/where-im-from.html

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