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

I am from swing sets,
and the trampoline in our backyard.
I am from the dandelions and apple trees,
to suntans and sunburns.
I am from “I-can-swim-faster-than-you,”
and “Hey-Gene-the-dogs-are-out.”
I am from the triangular rock driveway,
and the orange bicycle flags.
I am from “Don’t-kill-lightening-bugs,”
and the ditch down the steep road.
I am from hide and seek in the front yard,
and from the tents in the playroom.

I am from the “don’t-kick-me”
and this is my side.
I am from the shrimp and punch,
and everlasting leftovers in the freezer.
I am from hours of homework,
and the timer on the stove.
I am from the soccer field,
and the green lightning bicycle.
I am from the suds in the dishwasher,
and the apples in the refrigerator.
I am from “Don’t-go-past-the-pole”
and the trees in the backyard.
I am from “Give-the-rest-to-suzanne”
and from the home made bird traps.

I am from being the best basketball player on the team,
but losing every game.
I am from protesting school lunches,
and bringing food from home.
I am from weeks of walking on crutches,
and watching super bowl 32 from a hospital bed.
I am from being in school with my dad,
and having teachers threaten “I’ll-tell-your-daddy.”
I am from cleaning lockers,
and staying late after school.
I am from confusing relationships,
and from watching games from a “bench warmer’s” perspective.
I am from working hard and seeing the game from a “starter’s” perspective.
I am from having long hair and not caring what others think,
and from loving football, NOT basketball.
 

Josh
Warren East High School

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