Where+I'm+From

[|George Ella Lyon reading "Where I'm From"]

Where I'm From

(A collective poem)

I am from a weeping willow, a large beautiful tree, looking sad but truly happy I am from my family, treasured memories and stolen moments I am from chaos and culture, the seventh moon and a family of stars I am from early morning rendez-vous with the rising sun I am from poetry and novels "The play's the thing," Words and stories are what make my heart sing. I am from the loud talkers and kitchen helpers I am from the fading of the inner nucleus, then the rebirth and spreading I am from the fortune of experience I am from tranquility surrounded in the very essence of your environment I am from strength and afternoon naps I am from 471 Bonnie Court, where you knew you were loved I am from a place where cultures pushed togther like waves I am from fireflies and catching frogs, racing bikes on oil dirt roads, I am from a large Italian family, 26 cousins gathered around a picnic table I am from fervent, sometimes ferocious faith I am from the back seat, black Ford station wagon, wood on the side I am from love, patience, common sense, and dreams I am from cool tupperware boxes full of water, placed by the porch door to clean me up I am from the bird who flew far from the next, for better or for worse Do you know us now from these writings?