Where I’m From
(Inspired by a poem by George Ella Lyons)

I am from a domestic zoo:
horses, dogs, cats, a rabbit, frogs, fish, and birds.
Each morning at day break, “Chico, pretty bird.”
I am from rolling hills,
one leg shorter than the other.
I long for flat land.
I am from the endless woods,
calling turkey from our eight foot deck,
seeing white tail deer by our pool.

I am from milk and cookies, chicken and dumplings and chocolate
chip cookie dough ice cream.
I am from Pop Rock, shopping at the mall and visiting family
and friends who are always over on Sundays to watch the race and
grill out.
I am from the cell phone (the greatest invention), going to ballgames
and playing with my four year old sister, Madeline.

I am from Alan and Tina,
working to keep pets fed and studying teacher’s ed.
I am from the Lees and Blairs,
from family gatherings, aunts, uncles and cousins everywhere.
I am from PawPaw on the hill,
still going strong ninety-five.
I am from Mammie,
strong willed and fun loving.
I am from small spaces,
turning sideways to get down the hall.
Never alone.

I am from Blair burgers, watermelon and warm summer nights.
I am from a mountain cabin, Cades Cove and cool mountain streams.
I am from snowball fights, sledding and cold winter fun.
I and from a hollow with love and family all around.
 

Brooke
Warren East High School

---