Where I’m From Poems

I love these “Where I’m From” poems by George Ella Lyons. Here it is read by the author. This year I had my middle school ESL class do them and I was so pleased with their results. They were amazing. I had my para educator do hers, and I learned so much about her.

Here’s a few from my students, and the last is from my para. Their words have such lovely power. I purposely removed their names and left any “errors.” They are as submitted.

I am from Bagdad. From Nike and Takis.

I am from the always smells like food sunny, dusty, exceptionally good Tast I am from the palm trees dust I'm from the playing dominos and the family that loves to have fun from Abdullah and Younis I am from the family that plays mehbas and play dominos from do not run and trip and be good I am from Muslim and family's I am from Baghdad Dolma and Sage From the funniest family.

I am from Mexico and Washington.

From Noisy and Welcoming.

Helpful, lazy, and always raining.

I am from where apple juice is best for kids when sick.

Pushing people's heads in cake and welcoming.

From Angela and Diana.

I’m from the laughing at random things and always cooking.

From always having Ice cream and running away when guests are over.

I’m from being a believer and respecting other people.

Im from sirens and rain.

Tamales and Rice.

When someone Is over at 10:00 p.m. we cook.

I am from American Samoa

From Music, singing, traditional clothing, makeup, eating, social media

I am from the homeland that is surrounded by water and people.

1. Land

2. People

I touch coconuts, I feel at home, I see people, I hear water

I am from Avapui, and Teuila

It is used for flower arrangements, villages, and special occasions

I'm from graduation, we make lei's and always respect your elders

From Leata and Toafa

Im from the we celebrate by cooking and say excuse me when you pass an elder

From show respect to others and be cautious on who you trust

Im from Jehovah Witnesses

Im from American Samoa, Raised in Hawaii

Samoan food, poke, musubi, taro, many more

From the personal things

I am from blossoming apple orchards,

from green forests and fuggy clouds.

I am from the high and sleepy mountains,

beautiful, freezing, looking like vanilla topping on a chocolate ice cream.

I am from potato fields and vegetable gardens where

colors look like a rainbow.

I am from celebrating success and curly hair and freckles.

From Michael and Yelena Angelovski.

I am from where we appreciate one another and eat meals together.

From “don’t judge and respect your family”!

I am from strong believers that cherish life.

I am from the Dead Sea and welcoming generations of Sarah and Moses

where freshly baked flat bread and a glass of cool water is offered to the needy.

From the place where everyone, men and women gladly serve their country!