Use the lists we began in class and the sample poems to write your own "Where I'm From" poem. Remember, your poem must be 5 stanzas and typed!
Remember to start with categories and then list examples for you--being very specific--to get the meat of your poem.
Example:
- Important family names--Poppa Joe, Aunt Lorraine, my sister Rhea
- Family history--my grandmother who fought breast cancer, my gramps who fought bravely in war, my mother who always helps the community
- Favorite foods--mac n cheese, homemade pepperoni pizza, ice-cold lemonade, crab boils
- Family experiences--bbqs in the summer, swimming at Upshur Pool, roller coaster riding at Hershey Park, Sunday dinner and dancing in the kitchen
- Favorite games or toys--World of Warcraft, Pac Man, yo-yos, hide and seek, TV tag, Legos, Sorry
- Childhood memories--broken leg at 6 when I fell on ice, stitches under my eye and on my finger
- Family sayings--"There's always tomorrow" and "I love you so much, sweetie" and "Smile even if it hurts"
Now, you need to piece together your poem. Choose some of the lists you've made above and use the refrain "I'm from"
Example:
I'm from Poppa Joe, Aunt Lorraine and my family in New York
from my sister Rhea and the times we fight and make-up
I'm from my mom who says "Smile even if it hurts"
I'm from a grandmother, Mama Sylvia,
who fought breast cancer for years before
it took her, and from my grandpa who
fought in a war, even though he was only twenty-two
I'm from a broken leg at 6 and stitches under my eye
I'm also from summer fun, playing with yo-yos,
jumping rope, playing hide-and-go-seek and
riding bikes until the streetlights came on
I'm from family dinners on Sunday,
mac n cheese baked in the oven,
"eat your vegetables",
strawberry/rhubarb pie, and
crab boils in the summer
I'm from so many memories and so
much laughter. I'm from a family
who dances in the kitchen when a
good song comes on.
