October is I’m Just Me Because Month—a time to celebrate the things that make us unique. It felt like the perfect time to dust off the Where I’m From poem I started earlier this year but never finished.
The goal of I’m Just Me Because Month is to spread kindness and acceptance of our differences. It provides an opportunity to share what sets us apart and celebrate the quirks that make each of us us.
The origin of Where I’m From poems
Earlier this year, I was intrigued by a post from Vicki Atkinson who shared a Where I’m From poem. In her post, Vicki also provided a link to a piece from Lori Pohlman that inspired her. I encourage you to drop by Vicki’s blog to read her poem.
Credit for Where I’m From poems goes to writer and teacher George Ella Lyon. After she wrote her own poem, she turned it into a writing exercise for other writers. The movement soon spread around the world. Lyon’s original poem and suggestions on how your poem can inspire other writing projects are on her website.
Remember, you are the expert on you. No one else sees the world as you do; no one else has your material to draw on. You don’t have to know where to begin. Just start. Let it flow. Trust the work to find its own form.
George Ella Lyon
My Where I’m From poem
I always love how our blogging community pays it forward and provides endless inspiration. After reading Vicki’s post, I decided to write a Where I’m From poem of my own. Here it is…
Strong steeped tea
I am from strong steeped tea
From PG Tips and Cadbury Buttons
Cobblestone streets, cold rainy days, coal fires to warm the chill
I am from daisies and buttercups
Bright yellow under my chin
I am from Sunday roast dinners and “waste-not-want-not”
From Frances and Brian
Hardworking parents who taught us right from wrong
I’m from the stubborn and frugal
From generosity and honesty
From Catholic values, served with a generous helping of guilt
I’m from Lancashire England, from Irish roots
From potato pie, pickled red cabbage
Peas, carrots and roast potatoes
From brave grandparents and parents
Who travelled to faraway countries in search of a better life
From three older sisters
Who teased and taunted and made me strong
I am me
I am a survivor
I am a work in progress
With more chapters to write
Writing this poem was a fun exercise that brought back memories of my childhood. If you’d like to try writing a Where I’m From poem of your own, Lori Pohlman provides a template on her website.
Happy writing!
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Two very good poems. And, you can never go wrong with Cadbury’s. It’s a shame they got taken over though
Thank you. Yes! I love Cadbury’s.
Loved it Michelle … especially the buttons lol 😆
😂 Thanks! Cadbury has always been my favourite chocolate.
💕
This is beautiful and so evocative, Michelle! The tone, especially, is proud and confident, and it works so, so, well. I might need to give this a try. Reading your poem, 75% resonates with my own story… but I bet the nuanced differences would completely change the story. Truly love this!!
Thanks so much Erin. Please let me know if you decide to write one. I’d love to read it!
Wonderful Michelle! I can clearly see the person I know from blog land right there in the poem 🙂
Thanks Deb. It was such a fun poem to write.
Michelle…thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. I will never NOT get chills when I read…there’s something so bare, brave and bold about this format and your poem? I feel I was invited into your heart. Much love! 🥰❤️🥰
Aww. Thank YOU for inspiring it Vicki! It was so much fun to write, especially as I was searching for old photos for my My Story project. I even found a photo of the cobblestone street I grew up on that I refer to in the poem. 🤗
So good! Can’t wait to see that pic…and you’ve reminded me that I need to dive back into my ancestry work to find the Lancashire connection…something we share! Big hugs! 🥰
That’s fascinating. We’re probably long-lost cousins. 🤗
Don’tcha wonder? I’m adding the spelunking about that to my task list! I can’t remember which side of the family had roots there…probably on my dad’s side. xo! 🥰
I will look forward to hearing what you learn! 🤗
Xo!😘