# data[].attributes.body
E.C.D.
I am from long nights.

From rough rides.

I come form hot days.

I come from family stays.

I am from irritating siblings.

I'm from immigrants.

From European countries,

like England and Italy.

I'm from late night texts

with people I'll never remember.

I'm from loving embrace.

to broken hearts.

I'm from heavy hits and disorientating collisions.

I come from friendship and brotherhood

# data[].attributes.headline
Where I am from 

I’m from first gen iPhones,

From grass stains and finger-paint.

I’m from the forest in the back, which smelled like fresh
pine.

I’m from Christmas trees, 

And oak monster, who’s strong 

Limbs I would climb on.

 

I am from fresh bakes and cracking jokes,

From Gary and Sharon. 

I’m from smart mouths,

And knuckle heads, 

Slapping silly and warm hugs.

I’m from early Sundays,

Full of fine clothes and recited versus. 

 

I’m from Ron and Corby’s country,

Full of corn fields and hard work. 

From the old Harley my grandfather rode,

To the cold nights were my mother slept with the bats. 

Under my bed was a guitar spilling stories of old and new.

I’m from the unbreakable bond-

Of an ever loving crew. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Where I am from 

I’m from first gen iPhones,

From grass stains and finger-paint.

I’m from the forest in the back, which smelled like fresh
pine.

I’m from Christmas trees, 

And oak monster, who’s strong 

Limbs I would climb on.

 

I am from fresh bakes and cracking jokes,

From Gary and Sharon. 

I’m from smart mouths,

And knuckle heads, 

Slapping silly and warm hugs.

I’m from early Sundays,

Full of fine clothes and recited versus. 

 

I’m from Ron and Corby’s country,

Full of corn fields and hard work. 

From the old Harley my grandfather rode,

To the cold nights were my mother slept with the bats. 

Under my bed was a guitar spilling stories of old and new.

I’m from the unbreakable bond-

Of an ever loving crew. 

# data[].attributes.body
Where I’m From

By: CL

I am from the red brick house,

from trampolines and wooden swing sets.

I am from the strong oak and maple trees

that belonged to farmers who planted them decades ago.

I am from the prickly cacti,

whose long needles catch every passing ball.

I am from clogs and jean overalls,

from flip phones and Mario Cart.

I am from strong political opinions,constant lectures, and history experts.

I’m from religion courses on Tuesdays,

to bread and wine on Sundays.

I’m from the fourth pew where I listen

to famous stories that look place long ago.

I’m from the coal mine where my great grandfather lost
his life to save another’s,

from the house where my grandpa was raised by a single mother.

I’m from pictures of past relatives,
that hang on the walls,
whose names I can’t remember.

# data[].attributes.headline
Where Im from

I am from nighttime stories

From baseball.

I am from soccer and 

Lets go to the park.

I am from Jeans house 

And not todays.

I am from videogames and Netflix.

From the late night fires.

I am from the Ten Commandments

And Sunday mornings.

I am from I love you daddy 

Yay your back from work lets play.

Also from the im busy right nows.

I am from alone time and what is that.

From the do you want to practice baseball.

I am from my own decisions 

And that’s what defines me.

# data[].attributes.subject
Where Im from

I am from nighttime stories

From baseball.

I am from soccer and 

Lets go to the park.

I am from Jeans house 

And not todays.

I am from videogames and Netflix.

From the late night fires.

I am from the Ten Commandments

And Sunday mornings.

I am from I love you daddy 

Yay your back from work lets play.

Also from the im busy right nows.

I am from alone time and what is that.

From the do you want to practice baseball.

I am from my own decisions 

And that’s what defines me.

# data[].attributes.body
By A.F.

I am from pink popcorn balls that stick in your teeth.

I am from hundreds of stuffed animals,

whose names are long forgotten.

I am from worn out hairbrushes

whose bristles went missing every day.

I am from Vanilla Snowflake candles

that fill the room with the scent of Christmas and happiness.

I am from the tree that hangs over the flower bed,

blooming in the spring with flowers in a beautiful petal pink color.

I am from playing town in the backyard with all the neighborhood kids.

The pine tree that we hallowed out into a house was always my favorite.

I am from playdates after preschool with Marley, Rachel, and Ry Ry.

I am from making angel food cake with my cousins to celebrate Jesus’s birthday.

I am from eating raclette cheese on Christmas eve,

and having our house smell "like the feet of an angel” for the rest of the night.

I am from frizzy hair that is not able to control.

From the Swiss songs that I sang every night with my mom.

I am from the fragile precious moments sitting on my shelf,

that came from my great grandma every year, until last year.

I am from the small wooden house that I visit in Switzerland every year.

I am from memories with my day-one friends,

From dressing up as fairies to staying up late doing homework together.

I am from spending blazing hot summer days in the pool in the backyard.

The creek that sits behind the house,

spending months building a club house next to it.

I am from the many, many scrapbooks that my mom made,

looking back to see everything about My past,

My mom’s past,

My family’s past.

# data[].attributes.body
Where I'm From

By: A.L.

I'm from hair the color of dark chocolate, and of the sunset.

I am from stop complaining and look on the bright side,

and do your best, it's all you can do.

I am from Skyline on Wednesdays.

From singing out with no fear on Sundays.

After school was creek walking and hide and seek tag

with neighborhood friends I will never forget.

I'm from treehouse sleepovers and the slide of death.

And the branches of the strong oak tree

next to where the scarlet sled took on more than it could handle.

I'm from suck it up, majority rules.

I'm from three brothers and no sisters

until my parents found love again.

From the rhythmic jingle-jangle of silverware

by a brother who can not say his thoughts,

but is happier than anyone I have known.

# data[].attributes.body
Our place in Bracken County,
By: MD

I am from Kentucky.

Radio blasting country tunes.

Passing Green tractors on the high way.

Mamaw Tucky living only an hour away.

It was wonderful.

We approach our camp, a long gravel path.

Leading to that rusty red gate,

The outset of an outstretched field.

Far-off lay a cozy wooden cabin,

And a barn filled with speedy quads and our muddin boots.

There were huge fields of wild flowers and yummy blackberries,

Which seemed like a kiss right from god.

They were shaped by deep woods filled with dads hunting stands.

He liked to hunt, that’s for sure!

I am from guns with the strongest recoil,

from creeks with the dirtiest water,

filled with the largest craw dads.

I am from Kentucky.

# data[].attributes.body
I am from family vacations

from hours in the car

traveling from coast to coast.

I am from gymnastics competitions

competing at a new place every weekend.

I am from waking up early

even in the summer.

I am from hours upon ours

of gymnastics practice

making the best friends of my life.

I am from tireswings

hanging from the big oak tree

always screaming “Higher! Higher!”

I am from jumping on the trampoline

for hours on end.

I am from the sweet smell of banana bread

It's fragrance filling the house.

I am from making fudge, cookies, chocolate

and all the sweets in between.

I am from family reunions

at least one every few months.

I am from going to Steelers games

dressed in black and yellow

screaming at the top of my lungs

after each touch down.

�Z���MF

# data[].attributes.body
I am from a warm, sweet family

From late night backyard campouts, the smell of roasted marshmallows

I am from early morning football games where my father found his pride

From cold winter nights and a steaming bowl of soup in cozy pajamas

I am from the "I can do its" and "I give ups"

I am from bullies on the playground,

friends in class

From a small quiet house, outside a massive, rumbling city

I am from grins for the teachers pet

And a glare for the class clown

I am from love, compassion, and all the right lessons

I am from yard work and kitchen help,

two ways to bond

I am from responsibility and independence

From weekend vacuuming and a brother who forgot

I am from those things,

small, but not meaningless
Nick

# data[].attributes.body
Where I'm From

AT

I am from the little patch of wood,                                  I’m from the games of Jeeper Beepers, Double Bruisers, and punch Buggy that leave you black and blue                                     I’m from a book and a holy house

I’m from the glass case full of treasure and photos older than I.                      I’m from the work hard, be nice, be humble, and yes what?                           I’m from my father’s lost finger nail in the snow, mom’s crystal blue eyes, and Eminem haircut of Austin.

I'm from soft Scrambled eggs, later crispy chicken, from the weekends eating undercooked grilled food                                        I’m from fall Sundays with dad bleeding orange and black                                       I’m from I can do all things…

# data[].attributes.body
JWF

I am from lengthy bike adventures with friends,

To bonfires when I’m not at home

I am from baseball games in the daytime on the weekends,

Ever since I was seven years-old

I am from getting my choice at the toy store,

That I looked forward to every birthday

I am from the evergreens and lots of daisies,

That always got its water

I am from the annual visit to Destin, Florida

And the minimal visits to the western states

I am from being read children books,

On the nights I couldn’t find slumber

I am from the Easter egg hunts at my grandma’s,

Where the eggs were cunningly hidden,

Taking us hours to find every color

I am from swimming for a couple days a week,

With my dad after he does a form of labor

I am from the dare-you’s and the bet-you-won’ts

From growing and maturing since day one with Sydney,

Our giant, greedy brown lab

I am from my parents telling me I’m growing up too fast,

And starting to finally realize it

# data[].attributes.body
Carlie
I'm from cold weather
Making snow angels
Building a family of snowmen
I'm from fireplaces
Cups of cocoa after sledding
From apple pie
With Charlie's dinner roles
I'm from the oak in the backyard
(That I admittedly used a ladder to climb down)
From Grandpa Bill's lake
Where I learned how to fish.
I'm from the kitchen table
that I ate breakfast at on a cold winter morning
From trick or treating
Carving pumpkins and
the smell of pumpkin pie
I' m from the bathroom with the broken door handle
(That I trapped myself in multiple times)
I'm from mint chocolate chip ice cream
When watching TV with my Nanny
I'm dancing in the kitchen with my sisters
From washing dishes
Watching TV
I am from flushing ice cubes down the toilet
With my pajamas on inside out
Dancing in the snow
From colors of the sunset
Marbling the sky
From leaves changing color
And weather getting cold
From the sky turning deep blue
From giggles in church
With hushed whispers
Newborns crying

# data[].attributes.body
By: D.A.

I am a daughter of the protective and

paranoid.

I am from the Mother of Presidents and Fas.

I am from the strawberry custard pie,

to which precious fruits were snatched.

I am from the evergreen anger and

sakura kindness.

I am from the nana,

one many would drink when the moon woke up.

From inconsideration to ignorance,

my second home often only danced at Christmas,

leaving my family in the dark corner of the room

and back of the burner.

I am from the grain of corruption

to the monument of twins,

families lived in fear

of each other.

# data[].attributes.body
R.D.
I am from the woods,

from sunlight falling through the harlequin leaves of oak trees.

A sea of evergreens dotted with islands of mountain.

I am from years of winter storms,

from the rough caress of a frigid wind,

to hot cocoa and crackling flames.

I am from a galaxy of stars in an Indian sky,

lighting up the darkness with a million wishes.

I am from my mother's brothers

and father's sisters.

I am from farmers and actresses,

from politicians and pastors.

I am from Singh and Khosa and Darla,

from Hinduism to Sikhism to Christianity.

I am from poor paperboys and sleek moguls,

from racing stallions and mountainous elephants.

I am from generations of whole-heart lovers,

from determined hard-workers.

I am from those who look to the stars and wish.

I am from the fighters and dreamers,

bursting with hope of a new life,

a fresh start.

I am from eccentric music and disastrous haircuts,

from church picnics and autumn photo shoots.

I am from self-taught piano lessons

and a father who plays fourteen instruments.

I am from childhood naps in the coat closet,

and Netflix marathons.

I am from Winnie the Pooh,

and I love you Tigger.

I am from choir concerts

and high school graduations.

I am from mouth-watering Chinese takeout,

and accidentally murdered goldfish.

I am from blistering California sand,

to cool Chicago pavement.

I am from Manhattan skyscrapers,

to Indian villages.

I am from Marvel Universe and DC Comics.

I am from worship band practices

and acapella acoustic jam sessions.

I am from decadent soaks in a warm, lavender-scented bath,

and the high-pitched, slightly off-key voices of carolers.

I am from those who don’t listen,

our throats wait like matchsticks,

waiting to catch fire.

I am from a deaf crowd,

a whirlwind of voices,

from those who speak without thinking.

I am from those who have no filter,

or perhaps it's just me.

I am from the dream of neuroscience,

and a love for the beauty of music.

I am from insomniac and loudmouth,

from best friend and confidante.

I am from a quintet of beautiful friendship,

and laughter that breaks through the sadness.

I will never be from calm and quiet,

but I will be from success.

# data[].attributes.body
I am from sixteen-hour car rides,

From Ohio to Florida.

I’m from the spider-webbing concrete out front.

(Grey, flaky

It smelled like oil.)

I am from the feel of grease,

and the horrid smell of tranny fluid.

From which my father spilled, and of that I had to clean up.

I am from roosters crowing in the morn,

Till the quacking at dawn.

I am from the bleachy smell of a pool,

From the splashing by my cousins.

I’m from the roaring of motors,

From Ike and Tony.

I’m from the two Bradford pears in the front,

From the three browning elms in the back.

I am from the soup beans and fried taters,

From Lana and Stephanie.

I am from bunk beds, From long nights and weary eyes.

I am from red eyes and teary guys,

From Big flames and black smoke,

and of that no-one can put out.

# data[].attributes.body
by Caroline

I am from music,
When you can sing all the words,
When you can play all the notes,
Or just hum.

I am from music,
The good parts give you chills,
The wrong notes make you cringe
And flinch away.

I am from music,
The band kids are awesome,
And the others just don't get it,
And can't hang.

I am from music,
It brings people together,
It's a safe place to turn,
And it is my passion.

# data[].attributes.body
I am from a willow tree,

Telling me to climb higher,

Dropping things from it I still don't know what they are.

I am from Christmas morning traditions,

The smell of freshly made monkey bread,

Smell as if it grabbed you and dragged you to it.

I am from a heart sitting on my heart,

Attached by a measly chain,

But it carries an importance worth a million words.

I am from cultures all over the world,

Cultures giving me nothing but happiness,

Telling me I am lucky.

I am from a bat,

Striving to hit the ball,

Teaching me patience,

Educating how to deal with failure.

I am from a song,

A song I can't remember,

But it is always there,

Keeping me on the right track.

I am from the destruction of our family,

Bringing us closer together,

And the rebuilding.

I am from calling,

Calling a family of my family,

Causing a fear,

Causing a hope.

I am from my favorite place.

# data[].attributes.body
J.B.

# data[].attributes.body
D.K.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm from dusty sidewalks and tall pines,

pinecones littering the ground.

I'm from hazy mornings under scarlet and gold,

sun streaming through.

With the boy and his deer

I listened to Russian Winnie,

silver boom box gleaming

I'm from crinkly paper bag lunches;

Hello Kitty baggies,

squelching juice boxes.

Rusty swings creaking,

and mud cakes made lovingly,

(even the grass sprinkles)

I'm from gritty sand between toes,

cold water biting into skin,

as a cacophony of sounds fill the sharp ocean air.

Or another weekend spent with an orchestra of entirely different sounds,

made up of lion roars and peacock crows.

I'm from blank walls,

boxes filled to the brim,

unfamiliar halls,

new classrooms,

(alien faces)

and being the new kid again.

I'm from skimming my fingers over shiny spines,

padded fingers against course paper,

hiding amongst the rows of books.

I'm from getting lost

(but not really)

in lands far away from here

(places that I knew better than my own house.)

I'm from blurry skype calls,

misspelled emails,

plane trips to a country halfway across the world

(home)

I'm from faded asphalt roads,

(cracked and jagged)

with shining driveways,

swept and watered down.

I'm from hopscotch and jump rope under a blazing sun,

and afternoons spent upstairs,

in the sewing room

where my grandmother's machine clacked and hummed away.

I'm from two different worlds-

so different from each other,

yet interwoven to make two parts of a whole.

# data[].attributes.body
by Queen Christmas
I am from binging cartoons on Saturday mornings,
from warm blankets and hugs.
I am from a single purple Eastern Redbud in the backyard,
from the red, orange, and yellow autumn mums.
I am from gooey chocolate chip cookies and Thanksgiving-turkey soup,
whose delicious scents waft around the house.
I am from bright and cheery Christmas mornings,
from over-the-top neighborhood Halloween parties.
I’m from Ghost in the Graveyard and Rat-A-Tat-Cat.
I’m from stuffed animals and my fiery black terrier mixed mutt,
from Emmy, Alicia, and Rory.
I’m from soft brunette hair and green-blue eyes,
from the time mom spent battling Lymphoma.
I am from peaceful Indie music,
that takes me to a little, happy world of my own.
I’m from the moments that shaped me into a better person and prepared me
for the future to come,
with many more moments to be from.

# data[].attributes.body
I’m from self-reliance,

from being responsible for yourself.

I’m from waking my parents up right at the crack of dawn on cold Christmas mornings,

and indulging in warm, delicious cinnamon rolls while cracking gifts.

I am from putting family first, and never taking them for granted.

I’m from huge fights with my sister over nothing,
yet also from having her as my only confidant.

I’m from games under the Willow out back,
and making lasting memories with best friends.

I’m from the sentimental woodwork of my grandfather,

the sweet baked goods of my grandmother.

I’m from hamburger pie, meatloaf and mom’s other homemade meals.

I’m from family-exclusive recipes and dad’s fantastic homemade pasta sauce.

I am from staring into the blazing fire and losing myself in it.

I’m from home, and all the wonderful things that make it up.

# data[].attributes.body
by Ivy Redwood

I am from a different solar system
from a brick townhouse mortared together by laughs

to a white-paneled house laden with leashes.

I’m from the rushing Mill Creek
from the traumatizing sun spider field,
striped like bumble bees

to the Japanese Lotus Tree,

wafting the scent of sweet peas and rain

and crawling with crimson bark

from the creaking, rusted swings

and the swaying timber treehouse.

I am from Barbara Horn
matching her hazel eyes

and her tangled brown hair.

I’m from her jewelry box,

reeking of apple blossoms and dust.

I am from Darlene

from her hushed ‘Silent Night’

as chocolate chip cookies fill my stomach

I am from Christmas at Aunt Terri’s
from blood-curdling screams beating my eardrums

as I plop mashed potatoes on my plate

to gnawing on french fries with Aunt Shelley

while we “cluck with the hens”.

I’m from the crickets chatting near the creek
from staring down sunset,

welcoming the lightening bugs like floating lanterns

to flashing lights and screaming sirens

from the house whispered about in hushed tones.

I am from packing my bags
from salty tears tainting my taste buds

to joining a new school.

I’m from Firebirds and ‘Fam’

from classrooms of smiles,

finally finding my place.

I’m from cluttered words devouring my thoughts
playing scenarios like Russian Roulette.

I am from ink smearing my hands

from turning the next page in my book.

# data[].attributes.body
I am from a full head of curly hair,

from bluish-grey eyes.

From crispy-yet-gooey grilled cheese,

and various varieties of chicken.

I’m from the dusty smell of cat litter,

and from the smell of freshly cut grass in  green yards.

I am from the sprouting locust trees,

from towering pines and big green shrubs.

I am from flying graceful paper planes,

from playing basketball.

From paper and markers to make art,

cat food, and from many, many warm blankets.

I am from the rhythmic tune of “Hot Cross Buns”,

from the phrases “Smile more!”, “Pick up your feet!”,

and “Look up!”.

I am from the Grangers and the Reders,

from John and Allison.

I am from religious grandparents,

from family Easter and Christmas feasts.

I am from the Granger tobacco cans in all of our family’s houses.

I’m from my father, who was a Navy engineer and now a software developer,

from my grandfather who served in the Navy as well,

and from my other grandfather who served in the Air Force.

I am from everyone in my family because they are who make me who I am.

# data[].attributes.body
Where I’m From

LG

I am from humid summer days

To snowy winters so cold you can’t feel your hands

I am from spaghetti

Smelling of fresh tomato and spices

Tropical hibiscus plants

And tall buckeye trees

I am from drive-in movies

From sleepless nights with friends

I am from hot chocolate

On chilly days after sledding

I am from a family of short people

Barely over 5 feet tall

I am from church on Sunday mornings

And Christmas with family

I am from Thanksgiving down south

Where it is 10 degrees warmer

I am from old photographs

Made from memories

Close to my heart

# data[].attributes.body
I am from college football,

From pumpkin-scented candles and bitter tasting chlorine.

I am from the perspiration under my eyes,

glistening in the sun during a family whiffle-ball game.

I am from uncooperating autumn Mums,

who fear to blossom,

like a poet with no paper.

I'm from braces and Lasik,

from Andrew, Aaron, Alyssa, and Anthony.

I am from "for all you beginners out there"

and "for sure relax".

From firsts, seconds, and thirds on holidays,

followed by an almost-hibernation and a cliché family film.

I'm from Jim and Carolyn's Branch,

festive Poultry Days and limp crockpot noodles.

From constant tension,

but no love ever lost.

I am from my father's cracked hands that will

never heal.

I am from very few simple days,

surrounded by my pedigree.

I am from occupied schedules,

but always time for family.

From stomach-aching snickers,

mostly caused by dad jokes.

I'm from arbitrary memories,

that hold so much value.

I am from those moments,

seven lives integrated.

Each a crisp branch,

holding on forcefully,

to the family tree.

# data[].attributes.body
I am from a full head of curly hair,

from bluish-grey eyes.

From crispy-yet-gooey grilled cheese,

and various varieties of chicken.

I’m from the dusty smell of cat litter,

and from the smell of freshly cut grass in  green yards.

I am from the sprouting locust trees,

from towering pines and big green shrubs.

I am from flying graceful paper planes,

from playing basketball.

From paper and markers to make art,

cat food, and from many, many warm blankets.

I am from the rhythmic tune of “Hot Cross Buns”,

from the phrases “Smile more!”, “Pick up your feet!”,

and “Look up!”.

I am from the Grangers and the Reders,

from John and Allison.

I am from religious grandparents,

from family Easter and Christmas feasts.

I am from the Granger tobacco cans in all of our family’s houses.

I’m from my father, who was a Navy engineer and now a software developer,

from my grandfather who served in the Navy as well,

and from my other grandfather who served in the Air Force.

I am from everyone in my family because they are who make me who I am.

# data[].attributes.headline
 

Where I'm from

By: M H

 

I'm from the mouth
watering taste of coffee cake every Christmas,

from the smell of
delicious homemade pancakes

on Friday mornings.

I am from the colossal
cotton tree

in my backyard

that caused grass to look
like freshly fallen snow in the summertime.

 

I am from family reunions,


and Easter egg hunts with
more cousins than I can even count.

I'm from the smell of
fresh ink and pages

when I took my weekly
trips to Barnes & Noble,

from a broken slinky 

that could never be
played with again.

 

I am from games of
capture the flag

with my siblings,

from so many trees, 

my backyard looked like a
forest from a postcard.

I am from begging my
parents for a dog

again,

and again.

I am from moments with my
family.

 

# data[].attributes.subject
 

Where I'm from

By: M H

 

I'm from the mouth
watering taste of coffee cake every Christmas,

from the smell of
delicious homemade pancakes

on Friday mornings.

I am from the colossal
cotton tree

in my backyard

that caused grass to look
like freshly fallen snow in the summertime.

 

I am from family reunions,


and Easter egg hunts with
more cousins than I can even count.

I'm from the smell of
fresh ink and pages

when I took my weekly
trips to Barnes & Noble,

from a broken slinky 

that could never be
played with again.

 

I am from games of
capture the flag

with my siblings,

from so many trees, 

my backyard looked like a
forest from a postcard.

I am from begging my
parents for a dog

again,

and again.

I am from moments with my
family.

 

# data[].attributes.body
R.M.

I'm from hand-me-down clothes.
From Old Navy and old sport t-shirts.
I am from he creek and forest we called Narnia.
I'm from long winding roads,
From backyard whiffle ball games and intense Volleyball matches.
I am form the hanging magnolia tree that smells like sunshine.
The evergreen and plum tree whose limbs I always got my hair tangled in.

I'm from the dreamers and seekers,
From train rides on chilly nights and Christmas Florida trips.
I am from Diane and Steve.
From the pass-it-oners and tradition breakers.

From the "Do the right thing" and "Holy Toledo!",
and the Birthday Monsters.
I am from the back row Roman Catholic church singers,
From the chattering noise echoing the pavilion because you once again forgot how cold church was.

I am from a burnt roll aroma and the sound of cows mooing back on Great-Grandpa's farm.
From coffee cake on the holidays and Sunday doughnuts.
I'm from long road trips where someone blames the 'stinky clams' while passing the beach,
To prevent from being assaulted with thousands of glares form passing gas in the car.

I am form the house with the worn basketball hoop that has survived many winters,
From where all my adventures and friendships have started.
As i look around the house that I've gown up in my entire life,
I can't help but notice all the pictures.
The one that's dearest to me is the picture of my brother dressed up as a princess.

# data[].attributes.headline
I am from waking up on an early
Sunday,

 and feeling the morning air splash on my face
like water.

 I am from darting around on a soccer field, 

while the blazing hot sun is beaming
down on me.

 I am from silly, happy family time to tense,

 heated arguments.

 From rushing out the door,

 getting placed on time, 

still managing to be late.

 From hot fresh dinner waiting on the kitchen
table as I walk in.

 I am from smelling dryer sheets to feeling
fresh warm clothes popping out of the dryer. 

From speaking Spanish around the
house

to perusing the beautiful island of
Puerto Rico.

 I am from a home with a large loving
family. 

 

# data[].attributes.subject
I am from waking up on an early
Sunday,

 and feeling the morning air splash on my face
like water.

 I am from darting around on a soccer field, 

while the blazing hot sun is beaming
down on me.

 I am from silly, happy family time to tense,

 heated arguments.

 From rushing out the door,

 getting placed on time, 

still managing to be late.

 From hot fresh dinner waiting on the kitchen
table as I walk in.

 I am from smelling dryer sheets to feeling
fresh warm clothes popping out of the dryer. 

From speaking Spanish around the
house

to perusing the beautiful island of
Puerto Rico.

 I am from a home with a large loving
family. 

 

# data[].attributes.headline
Where I
Am From

A.T.

                I
am from green eyes 

and dimpled cheeks

                               

Long, hot summer days

Cold, crisp winter
nights

 

From the smell of my
Oma’s

delicious green beans
and

the taste of my gooey
homemade

chocolate chip cookies
melting in my hand

 

I am from the

“never give up”

       and the 

“always do your best”

 

I am from my mother’s
beautiful voice

singing her favorite
song 

 

From my father’s

Award-winning chili 

sizzling in the boiling
pot

 

I am from 

  laughter

     sadness

       anger

          and

            happiness 

 

 

I am from 

folded hands and

precious words

 

I come from many

wonderful memories

and more to come

 

 

 

 

# data[].attributes.subject
Where I
Am From

A.T.

                I
am from green eyes 

and dimpled cheeks

                               

Long, hot summer days

Cold, crisp winter
nights

 

From the smell of my
Oma’s

delicious green beans
and

the taste of my gooey
homemade

chocolate chip cookies
melting in my hand

 

I am from the

“never give up”

       and the 

“always do your best”

 

I am from my mother’s
beautiful voice

singing her favorite
song 

 

From my father’s

Award-winning chili 

sizzling in the boiling
pot

 

I am from 

  laughter

     sadness

       anger

          and

            happiness 

 

 

I am from 

folded hands and

precious words

 

I come from many

wonderful memories

and more to come

 

 

 

 

# data[].attributes.body
I am from the flame of the Friday night Fires

From Smelling fresh mowed grass,

to the Tick-Tock of the clock

I'm from the ash tree, the climbing tree, the jumping tree,

to its emerald colored boar

I am from homemade dinners,

to fresh out-of-the-oven chocolate chunk cookies

From sandy blonde hair

and aqua blue eyes

I'm from midnight flashlight tag,

long bike rides,

and the cold basement floor

I am from preschool singalongs

to middle school rap battles

From August strangers

to May families

I'm from ken and Michelle,

Linda and Dan,

Carol and Henry, and

Forever more

# data[].attributes.body
Where I'm From

By J.E.

I am from nerds,

from Nintendo and Sony.

I am from the backyard,

running up and down the slope.

I am from birch trees,

tall yet thin.

I am from rice and beans.

From Davis and Espejo.

I'm from hard-workers,

and relaxed chillers.

I'm from lyrical geniuses,

rhyming from A to Z.

I'm from Dr. Suess and R.L. Stine.

From Mario Kart and Call of Duty.

From comfort of bed,

to dread of school.

I am from a family of diversity.

Two cultures intertwined into one.

# data[].attributes.headline
Where I am From

By LT

I am from stuffed animals (dirty and loved)

                      Soon to
be lost               

I am from bright blue lakes

                           And falling in
                 
I am from golden leaf piles

(crunching underfoot and up to my ears)
                         
With hints of red and blonde

 
                                          
I am from homemade birthday cakes and jelly beans                      

 From Donald
and Mary

I’m’ from curious eyes

 And open minds    

From laughing till it hurts and shiny smiles

I’m from bible camps in the sun

                     With new lines each day

And new friends yet to be met

 
                                      
I’m from Mary and Robert’s legacy 

Homemade mac and cheese and chocolate pudding 

From stories before

                          To tales
of war
       
From maps of time

 Stitched
by hand
        
By flowing   patterns and flying colors
                             
I am from moments of bonding-

Shared with my brother-two Troup leaves
                    
Fallen into the swing of life                            

With high hopes and bright eyes

                Ready for
life

# data[].attributes.subject
Where I am From

By LT

I am from stuffed animals (dirty and loved)

                      Soon to
be lost               

I am from bright blue lakes

                           And falling in
                 
I am from golden leaf piles

(crunching underfoot and up to my ears)
                         
With hints of red and blonde

 
                                          
I am from homemade birthday cakes and jelly beans                      

 From Donald
and Mary

I’m’ from curious eyes

 And open minds    

From laughing till it hurts and shiny smiles

I’m from bible camps in the sun

                     With new lines each day

And new friends yet to be met

 
                                      
I’m from Mary and Robert’s legacy 

Homemade mac and cheese and chocolate pudding 

From stories before

                          To tales
of war
       
From maps of time

 Stitched
by hand
        
By flowing   patterns and flying colors
                             
I am from moments of bonding-

Shared with my brother-two Troup leaves
                    
Fallen into the swing of life                            

With high hopes and bright eyes

                Ready for
life

# data[].attributes.body
By Amy
I am from Rose and Mugho Pine bushes

from a house that groans in every step

I am from a white fence enclosing the      commotion inside

I am from watching cars pass by the crumbling concrete sidewalks, gaudy houses, and me

I am from Hawaiian King Rolls and banging on the table, thanking the lord

I am from sleeping all day and chasing my dogs everywhere

I am from playing music 24/7 to binge watching the best of Netflix

I'm from years’ worth of the cutest pets (especially Gucci and Coach)

I'm from the dark circles in my eyes to fingers tall as Mount Everest

I am from buns and baggy clothes

I am from Mary and Kofi

I am from the shadows of those who come before me

I am from doing anything through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

I am from the best procrastinators, showing up at disapproving glares, and having the most terrifying motivation

In my mom's room in her wooden dresser there's a drawer of captured old memories

from my past journeys

filled with the smiles that could brighten up a pitch room

I am from the untarnished love for those who I can't stand

in an ocean of impeccable memories

filling the crevices of dark spaces

# data[].attributes.body
A.M.S.

I am from the muddy creek,

From splashing and climbing in the woods.

I am from Who-Dey dip on Sunday nights,

Dressing in orange and black from head to toe,

Matching jerseys for everyone, even the dog

I am from the simmer down its 3 a.m.s,

Stuffed animal wars, Rearranged living room,

Sneaking candy late at night.

I am from the farm in Medway, hay crunching under my feet

Old golf cart, sunset and gasoline tank,

Hines family picnics, mucky fish ponds.

I am from the smell of freshly popped homemade, home grown popcorn

Long late night talks about being a nice, respectful being.

Don’t take yourself seriously.

Laugh a lot,

Love even more.

I am from the Stone family clan.

# data[].attributes.body
Ellie

Where I'm From

I am from the tallest peaks of Mount Everest

I am from the crisp white picket fences

bright red doors

I am from the “Do your best” and “Don't give up”

From the climbing trees

itchy green grass

I am from exploding flour

and thick black smoke

I am from the mouse ears

the talking ducks

I am from the creamy mac and cheese

and ice cold root beer floats

I am from the poison apples

shining north star

From the mom who never gets a break

The dad who never sleeps

I am from the knowledge of others

the mistakes

that have molded me

to who I am today functi�5�MX1x

# data[].attributes.body
I'm from a masterful technician and part time comedian.

I'm from a caretaker who would willingly give up her life for the sake of her beloved ones.

I'm from a loving man who is forever superior at virtual competition.

I'm from a busy woman who can keep everything but her children in check,

and another who can barely keep her room in check.

I'm from a younger lady who refuses to let anyone tell her how to shape herself,

and another who one could almost mistake for the sister of Narcissist.

I'm from an adventurous feline always seeking trouble and a morsel.

I'm from a love of the travel of electrons.

I'm from inability to snap and accurately comprehend empathy.

I'm from penmanship of a spastic cat and the voice of a cicada.

I'm from a deep hatred for foolishness on my time and creatures that bark ferociously and chase their tail

I'm from the uncontrollable desire to help others,

whether it be carrying items or defense.

I'm from a childhood that would be compared to chess rather than checkers.

I'm from a long lost friend I still care for, no matter how pointless the world trie to convince me that doing so is.

I'm from a left foot scarred by my own impulsiveness,

and endless  punishment for that same impulse.

I'm from nigh infinite anecdotes of confl
ict with everyone in my life.

I'm from insecurity outside the walls of my haven,

followed by hunger and boredom.

# data[].attributes.body
CJK
I am from family

from Whitmore and Cannon

I am from boxes and boxes

of history

dusty and hidden away.

I am from church retreats,

Sunday afternoon family gatherings,

and meals with family pizza recipes.

I am from big heads and stubby legs,

huge imaginations and short tempers.

I am from trips to Michigan,

bowling, biking, creating, exploring.

I am from highest highs and lowest lows.

I am from the strongest people I know.

I am from hours and hours

in the sun bleached backyards of neighbors,

playing football and baseball.

I am from competitions

challenges

rivalries

I am from tennis and flag football,

and being pushed by those around me.

I am from worst friends and best enemies,

from questioning the normal,

and liking the strange.

I am from inside jokes,

laughing uncontrollably,

and losing touch with reality.

I am from facing touch times

and getting through.

I am from helping friends,

from receiving help,

and being surrounded by those I trust

I am from “get ‘er done”

from “time for a group hug”

and “use your brain”.

I am from pep talks and punishments

from going above and beyond,

even when we don’t want to.

I am from believing in the unbelievable

uniting the disagreeable

fighting the unforeseeable

and dreaming the inconceivable

# data[].attributes.headline
Where I’m From

By C.C.  I am from being the only child of my mom
and dad

to getting a sibling, then another, and
then another…

I am a mixture of my parents,

Half of each into one person.

I am from us kids playing the ground is
lava,

To making up our own game of “hide and go
seek dark tag.”

I am from all the girls’ names starting
with C’s

Casey 

Coriann

Catherine

 

I’m from my grandma’s sugary thumbprint
cookies on Christmas

To my aunt’s delicious pumpkin bread on
Thanksgiving

All the way to the fire alarm screaming,
so loud,

every time my family tries to cook
something.

From dad always staying with us

through thick and thin.

From my siblings and I bickering with each
other,

almost every day,

reprimands of be nice to your family.

 

I am from flipping and falling

Rolling and moving

I am from singing Disney songs when I was
little,

And singing the same songs today at
fourteen years old.

I am from things that have stayed with me

throughout my years.

Faded memories, 

Sad and happy moments,

Ups and downs of all kinds.

 

 

# data[].attributes.subject
Where I’m From

By C.C.  I am from being the only child of my mom
and dad

to getting a sibling, then another, and
then another…

I am a mixture of my parents,

Half of each into one person.

I am from us kids playing the ground is
lava,

To making up our own game of “hide and go
seek dark tag.”

I am from all the girls’ names starting
with C’s

Casey 

Coriann

Catherine

 

I’m from my grandma’s sugary thumbprint
cookies on Christmas

To my aunt’s delicious pumpkin bread on
Thanksgiving

All the way to the fire alarm screaming,
so loud,

every time my family tries to cook
something.

From dad always staying with us

through thick and thin.

From my siblings and I bickering with each
other,

almost every day,

reprimands of be nice to your family.

 

I am from flipping and falling

Rolling and moving

I am from singing Disney songs when I was
little,

And singing the same songs today at
fourteen years old.

I am from things that have stayed with me

throughout my years.

Faded memories, 

Sad and happy moments,

Ups and downs of all kinds.

 

 

# data[].attributes.body
I’m from humid air

From human minds of different kinds

From sandy beaches to hilly landscapes

I’m from places I call home

I’m from a land of gentlemen and the kindest women

A land of the sweetest teas and of gentle accents

Moving to a place where the air is cooler and people talk faster

My states I call home

I’m from Julie and Eric

From an extrovert and an introvert

From an orphan and one who is not

My family is who I’m from

I’m from a place that gaming and art was encouraged

A home where there were man boxes of gray and black, adorned with LEDs

A place of art and gaming, a place called home

This is where I’m from

# data[].attributes.body
Where I’m from

By Kate

I am from a big backyard filled with roses,

vegetables, dandelions, and woods.

I am from tall, twisty trees that grow in the back.

I am from the perfect placement of my house

and my friend’s houses; each two houses down on

either side.

I am from onion grass, spare twigs, and giant rocks.

I am from Italian food and watching my grandma

eat spaghetti correctly; spoon and fork.

I am from story tellers and busy bees.

I am from hydrangeas,

blue or pink, jumbled together with their delicate, soft petals.

I am from salty air and New England homes.

I am from sardines hide and seek.

I am from You are my Sunshine and a made up

lullaby by my mother,

that although has no name,

I could recognize in a heartbeat.

I am from years of scrapbooks on a

dusty bookshelf.

I am from memories that bring

laughter and nostalgia. ��u1k

# data[].attributes.headline
Where I’m From

M.P.

 

I am from the backyard
shed,

from daily prayers at the
dinner table.

I am from the sunken
living room

(Whose step I’d often
trip over)

I am from the sturdy Oak
tree with the wooden 

swing in the front yard
whose long gone limbs 

I remember as if they
were my own

 

I am from different
shades of green eyes and dimples, 

from Angela and Christopher.

I am from Cinderella
dressed in yella,

from homemade birthday
cakes and fresh picked apples.

 

I am from the mitten
state whose NFL team went 0-16.

I’m from recess out in
the snow and late springs.

I am from daily arguments
with siblings and the 

worn stuffed bear my
brother gave me years ago.

 

# data[].attributes.subject
Where I’m From

M.P.

 

I am from the backyard
shed,

from daily prayers at the
dinner table.

I am from the sunken
living room

(Whose step I’d often
trip over)

I am from the sturdy Oak
tree with the wooden 

swing in the front yard
whose long gone limbs 

I remember as if they
were my own

 

I am from different
shades of green eyes and dimples, 

from Angela and Christopher.

I am from Cinderella
dressed in yella,

from homemade birthday
cakes and fresh picked apples.

 

I am from the mitten
state whose NFL team went 0-16.

I’m from recess out in
the snow and late springs.

I am from daily arguments
with siblings and the 

worn stuffed bear my
brother gave me years ago.

 

# data[].attributes.body
I am from half-filled sketchbooks
(Scolding myself as I abandon one and start another),
And I am from an over-abundance of empty water bottles filling my room.
I am from the red berries from the trees in the back yard,
Mashed up in a mess with the leaves in some sort of wilderness casserole,
And I am from the disgruntled sidewalk toads
Croaking away in the night.
I am from tangled hair and slumped shoulders,
From V.K. and L.K.
I’m from the old Misfits CDs dug out of the sprawling collection,
And the same repetitive saxophone sample blasting in my ears for hours straight,
Reminding me of the things in the back of my brain.
I’m from finding the magic in the mundane,
And from a grand quest to become the world’s most powerful wizard.
I’m from statues of black bears,
And paintings of satyrs grinning mischievously at me from upon the wall.
From my mother’s contact lenses which always bother her
to the length of hair my father cut off in his pursuit to become a teacher
(This was short-lived.)
I’m from the cartoon creatures giving me my inspirations,
The girl who is not-quite-me prancing about my brain
Singing her melodies to me like a postmodern parody
of the muses of classical Greece.
And as I lay my head back and breathe the sweet autumn breeze,
I think to myself of where I have come and where I will someday go.

# data[].attributes.headline
Where I'm From Tate    I'm from short but sweet, from brown eyes and hair. I am from the hill our house sits upon. I am from right and wrong, from Felice and Andy.   I am from Camp Livingston,              the country roads. I am from the Star of David,  symbol of Judaism. I am from long days and short nights, the wake ups and the sleep tights             the don't be stupid, along with the do your bests.   I am from the pond in the side yard, the pantry in kitchen, from the TV in the living room. I am from not touching ground. I am from matzo ball soup             lasagna, Chinese food, and challah. I'm from board games               and family movie nights And those Friday night lights I am from West Chester, Ohio, the town that loves me.

# data[].attributes.subject
Where I'm From Tate    I'm from short but sweet, from brown eyes and hair. I am from the hill our house sits upon. I am from right and wrong, from Felice and Andy.   I am from Camp Livingston,              the country roads. I am from the Star of David,  symbol of Judaism. I am from long days and short nights, the wake ups and the sleep tights             the don't be stupid, along with the do your bests.   I am from the pond in the side yard, the pantry in kitchen, from the TV in the living room. I am from not touching ground. I am from matzo ball soup             lasagna, Chinese food, and challah. I'm from board games               and family movie nights And those Friday night lights I am from West Chester, Ohio, the town that loves me.