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

I am from music,
from lyrics, to notes, and rhythmic dances.
I am from choirs and solos,
and a gospel quartet.
I am from bouncing on my mom’s
lap from just a few months of age
to now performing on stage and feeling the music deep in my soul.

I am from a farm family
and roots deep in the soil from generations of sweat.
I am from mud squishing between my toes
and walks along the banks of our spring.
I am from planting my flower garden from age three,
anxiously waiting to see each year’s blooms.
Mommy’s angel, Daddy’s Little girl, and everybody’s Princess.

I am from horses, John Deere, and chocolate labs,
Carharts, dirt, blue jeans, and cowboy boots.
I am from fresh garden vegetables and fruits,
and from homemade lasagna, and yummy chocolate chip cookies.
I am from backyard birthdays and sibling rivalry,
self-expression, stubbornness, and strong beliefs in my opinions,
family values, hard work, and trying my best.

I am from difficult times, stretched dollars,
lessons learned, sacrifices made, and “making do.”
I am from Robert and Belinda
family pride, sentimental memories, and hand-me-down heirlooms.
I am from “Big Dolly”, toy tractors, crash dummies,
blue eyes, the baby of the family, hated curly hair,
and love, happiness, joy , and God’s family.
 

Sarah
Warren East High School

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