(Based on the poem "Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon, and inspired by a TEDxSoleburySchool talk from Emily Bailin.)
I am from worn out bibles with marked and dog-eared pages
From lacey, layered clothing and steaming mugs of tea
I am from the two story house that is somehow still too small for all the people living there
With the soft lawn that always stays green, and the large towering trees all around
I am from the winding creek with the tiny "island" in the middle
The crab apple tree with the perfect branches for climbing in
I’m from Christmas tree skirts covered in presents and unconditional love even when I don’t deserve it
From the mother with the brightest smile and the father with the best hugs
I’m from children’s songs sung on the Sunday morning drive to church
From dinnertime discussions filled with laughter
And living out joy even in sorrow
I’m from “you can do anything” and “you’re beautiful”
From “it takes two to make a fight” and "for God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son"
I’m from Thanksgiving Dinners with my Mother’s family at Great Grandma and Grandpa Riordan’s home
I’m from cornfields
From distant Native American roots that still hold firm and Ireland’s distant call
From Aunt Peggy’s pumpkin bread and homemade chocolate chip cookies
From piano lessons with Mrs. Boger who never made me feel inadequate, even when I hadn’t practiced
And from a self love of Japan, a country I've never visited
I’m from china dolls in the cupboard of Mom’s “pretty room” and Dad’s stuffed black cat
I am from memories long past
And things yet to come
And I am still in the making
