Where I’m From
(A poem inspired by George Ella Lyons)

I’m from the East and the West
The North and what’s left
I’m from milk the day after
And green roofs and apple trees
I’m from blue grass windowpanes
Filled with pistachios
And from piano keys and baby’s breath
I’m from country cookin’ and city living
From two kids to three, and thirteen before that
I’m from tents and movies
And camping out in the living room
I’m from Don’t-do-that!
And I-still-do!
I’m from the fear and the laughter
Of the swimming pool drain
I’m from paper sumo-wrestlers
And Ninja Turtle bed sheets
I’m from spending five weeks away
And mom or dad, me or more
I’m from running around and running away
I’m from heavy sighs and the obvious truth
And the Hunley’s with a British accent
I’m from blue T-shirts and the shorts that didn’t match
I’m from birdhouses and coffee cans
And triangle rocks and tree sap
I’m from the stars are mine and everything behind them
I’m from the truth deep inside, wand what I really believe in.
 

Nic
Warren East High School

---