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

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

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

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.

 

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

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. 

 

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 

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.

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 

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. 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

 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. 

 

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. 

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

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…

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

  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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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