I am from fishing poles, from lures and rowboats 

I am from the great lakes and sandy beaches

I am from the trampoline and two hand touch football

I am from grandpa and grandmas vegetable gardens

I am from trying on football pads and cleats

I am from dads boat and waterskiing

From tom and lisa’s house and playing outdoor hockey

I am from smoked brisket and rolls, from delicious meals

I am from church on sunday

From dads truck sitting in the driveway 

I am from a camp in Cheyboygan MI

From having the cousins over

From “clean your room” and “lets go fishing”

I am from visiting family up north

From hunting trips with the uncles

By Jaxon Perry.

I am from running shoes, from Brooks, and hard work.

I am from dull gray walls, and chilly air.

I am from the evergreens, the timbering woods that hold secrets within their shadows. 

I am from Christmas hams and heights above, from Elaine and David, to Kathy and Thomas.

I am from the hard workers and fast thinkers.

From “Good luck”, to “I’m proud”.

I am from coolies and sweets.

I am from Howell walls to European ancestors, rice crispies and puppy chow.

From the scar on my Papa's face from an angry squirrel while he was mowing, and the fights my Grandfather faced with cancer.

I am from the memories sat upon my shelves, which grow day by day.

I am from the old cider mill and the dam on the lake.

I am from the empty patio and the forgotten trampoline. 

I am from the trips to the heat of the south, to the cold of the north.

I am from towels, from magazines, and T.V.s.

I am from the dog house in my backyard.

I am from the water well, peach tree, and a bush.

I am from my Grandma Elena’s yummy, delicious biscuits, my Mom’s famous soup, and my Dad’s creamy mac and cheese. 

I am from the words that my family tells me everyday:

“We love you very much, and “Your jokes make me laugh”.

I am from the Mamaliga and Chulama that my grandma

makes, her famous eggplant recipe dish, and sweet, juicy

cranberry sauce.

I am from the diaries with pictures, boxes with old photos,

and folders of pictures from my childhood.

I am from Romania, where my parents were born and raised.

I am from a brick house, the same as from the story “The Three Little Pigs”. 

I am from the messy clothes, from dirty dishes, and shoes everywhere.

I am from the basketball hoop in the yard.

I am from the big white rocks, the oak pine trees.

I am from the March Madness get-togethers, the crazy, busy family, from

Mom, Dad, and Sammie.

I am from hardworking and driven people.

From the three claps and pointing to the sky, and the mouse in the house.

I am from basketball weekend getaways.

I am from Hartland, Michigan, and part of the Morrish family.

From chicken and tacos.

From Mom running from my practice to Sammie's practice, the 10:00 pm times just getting home, the always waking up tired.

I am from the old house in the village to the new, friendly neighborhood, telling the truth and never lying, facing reality, constant basketball talks, and the greatness of my family.

I am from the groundhog under the brown porch.

I am from an old pine tree shadowing my house.

I am from the family parties and loud voices echoing the halls, from mom, and dad, and brother.

I am from blue collar and white collar.

From getting a job and making money.

I am from church sundays.

Early mornings, hot chocolate.

I am from Dearborn, glizzies and hamburgers.

From the late night bonfires, the smores and smokey smell.

I am from the family tree.

Crickets creek while everyone's asleep, deep wind blows by, white leaves cry.

Throwing a ball, piercing the air while my sister brushes her doll's hair.

Cinnamon scent sweeps the floor while all my family comes in the door. 

I come from church weekly, and dress to our knees with crying kids running from beads. 

Green bean casserole, lasagna, and cheesy potatoes are what I've eaten for years.

I miss the kids running around the playground, and wood chips stuck in shoes while our parents stay home.

I miss apple juice, little oranges, Wii, and Just Dance. 

Holidays are my favorite, my favorite being Halloween.

The orange leaves with a red tint, pumpkins with red tints, and big stems.

The pumpkin patch is my favorite, the smell of donuts a cider with caramel and chocolate, reminds me of when I was little. 

I cant stand tight clothes or jellied textures or even sticky tape.

Flowers, bees, ladybugs, sharks, and stingrays, or what call my name. 

Walks on the beach and low summer sleep.

Im from blue pillows, from buff city soap, and Tranont.

I am from the old people neighborhood,

From full swim days, jumping on the trampoline, and passing the football.

I am from the scattered dandelions, and the tulips.

Im from church on Sundays, and crazy fun days.

From Tracy and Anthony

I am from football after church, and family prayer.

From “I loved you first”.

I am from I can do all things through Christ.

Im from missouri, hiding in the basement for tornados, peanut butter lasagna, smash burgers.

From my dads salty potatoes, trips to ohio, summers with cousins, and the Bonadio family.

I am from my grandparents back yard trying together for a photo.

I am from Maize and Blue, from Michigan and how we do. 

I am from the palm trees that flow when the wind blows.

I am from the Fiji trees, the roses 

that flows through the family as we think about the truth.

I'm from Church Sundays and Christmas day,

From the white snow covering the flow of green.

I'm from Cars that scream and the pots that steam, 

From grandpa's hot rod to grandma's famous baking.

I'm from the first jersey with the team of maize and blue,

From the days they win and the days we lose, 

It's all about the maize and blue.

I am from the teachings of God and those who pray.

I am from Flint 

From the best food places.

I am from the day we won that championship.

I am from the days at the church, 

From the good days to the days we have to go.

I am from the people who made me.

I am from basketball, football, and wiffle balls in the yard.

I am from the fire place in the living room.

I am from the plants on the kitchen counter, the healthy green plants

I am from christmas at my aunts house and grandmas cookies.

From mom, dad, and my little brother.

I am from the worrying about being late although being there earlier than needed, and eating all the snacks in the pantry.

From being told to not give up on what you want to do or if i keep cracking my fingers they will fall off.

I am from trying to drag my family member out of the house to go to church. 

I am from the hospital in novi, moms noodles and dads steak and grilled chicken on the grill. 

From the time my little brother got so mad that i beat him in mini hoop basketball he cussed in front of my parents, my parents were so mad at him. 

the other time my mom got lost in a thunderstorm on the way home from a basketball tournament.

I am from the pictures my parents took in key west when me and my brother couldn't go. We were so jealous.

I am from the backyard of my Grandpas house

From the tireswing to the big branches in the back

I am from watching football games and cheering for our team

From Kevin's jeep, Kourt’s truck, and the Monte’s

I am from the “Darn tootin’s” and the “Y’all ain’t rights”

I am from the “suck it ups” to the “your too smalls”

I am from church sundays to monday night football

I am from Michigan and Indiana, from briskets to burnt ends

I am from the “don’t hit my dog” to the “it was his fault”

I am from the “tag your it” to the “I bet you can’t catch me”

From Hide n’ seek to laser tag in the dark.

I am from the backyard pond.

I am from the big, birch tree in our yard and the immortal snake plant.

I am from the new years countdowns and Christmas mornings.

I am from my Grandpa, my Aunt Rochelle, and my Cousin Michael.

I am from family dinners and movie nights. 

I am from I love you’s and love you too’s.

I am from Belleville, Michigan.

I am from honeycrisp apples and habanero peppers.

I am from sledding down the hill to the backyard, trips to the neighborhood pool, and the Strawberry Festival.

I am from the basement shelves and the memories i cherish from there.

I am from candles and antiques, from books and blankets in suitcases alongside toys.

I am from woods and acres of grass, filled with animals and chickens.

(Lots and lots of chickens.)

I am from lands of squirrels and deer running into every danger possible, and from garage sales so far away.

I’m from Oma, Grandma and Grandad, Uncle and Aunt, and back and forth again and again.

From yards of neighbors and trampolines and grills, to towering apartments and condos.

I am from Scott and Jennifer, following their same paths of “shut the front door” and bugs on windshield jokes.

I am from British to German to Greek dishes, besides family dinners and meals of many tastes.

In every crevice and corner are LEGOs and dolls and toys from each era, endless memories.

From bookshelves, drawers, cabinets, and under beds full of miscellaneous junk I sometimes call my own.

I am from sister and brother, older and younger, with all of the included arguments.

I came from flowers and breads, from tall grass and haystacks to where I am now.

I am from a variety of lands, with endless cards to play, bad and good.

I am from a journey of long distance and variety, and all of the people who stayed by me to this very point.

By Max Smith

I am from the kitchen, from the water, and my pool.

I am from the barking of my dogs.

I am from the trees in my yard and the first behind my house.

I am from Christmas with my aunts, and their loud voices.

I am from my Mom and dad, and their laughs.

I am from yelling and funny jokes.

I am from always think you are the best,

And don’t get bad grades in school.

I am from Christ.

I am from Michigan, and from chicken and burgers.

I am from stories of vietnam, and my grampas battles in the war.

I am from the aunt who is always nice.

I am from my house which is always accepting.

I am from the photos on the wall around my house.

I am from the moments captured in their frames.

I come from hair clips, Oreos, and clip-in colored hair extensions.

I am the loud, the quiet, the chaos, and the peace.

Rain pours, the pitter-patter of my feet against the wet cement.

The dark mud covers me, 

grass,

Weeds,

Leaves,

Stick to my damp skin.

The hot Florida sun,

With the smell of a Thanksgiving feast.

The tradition that continues.

Comments year after year, “You’re growing too quickly, slow it down.”

“You’re heart is too big for your own good.”

Sticks to my brain as I grow.

I am from volleyball

The cheering, screaming, tears, and frustration.

From the loud gyms to quiet walks back to the car.

I am from Poniac, White Lake, Howell, and Hartland

Bits and pieces everywhere, 

A trail of memories follows.

From Noona’s cheese or taco empanadas and my Dad’s homemade crispy tenders.

Music, 

A flute, 

Headphones,

A safe spot, 

An escape.

I am from being called “kenna” to most

“Ken” to a few

“Mak” to my family

“Mak n Cheese” to my grandparents.

I am from the stars,

Imperfect, bright, and beautiful

A light in the darkness

Memories and bits live in a box, 

with colors and eyes

Buried in the depths of my closet,

Waiting to be visited again someday….

I AM FROM

I am from colors, from hartland chlorine and banana fluoride.

I am from the creaky floorboards.

I am from the tall grass. I am from the dandelion fields.

I am from the officers and the army servers and the scrap metal superheroes.

I am from the nonstop talk and the nonstop determination.

from “I love you to the moon and back“

I am from backroads and tire swings.

From grandma Nancy’s eetch.

I am from the front steps of Sunset chateau.

floral and sweet.

I am from dance structured and secure.

I am sprung from a tulip garden where flowers bloom.

I am from a Christmas morning and late night fireworks under the starry night sky.

I am from a voice that fills the room

very vibrant but and seeking calm.

I am a soft and polished girl,

I am scared and quiet i try to stay hidden

yet i am still here not silent

I am the girl who never stays quiet 

I am from wood stoves, from dog toys, and tiger lilies.

I am from the old farm on a worn out road.

From white and black dog hair,

I am from the lilacs, and tulips.

I am from the monthly allowance, and the outgoing.

From grandma and mom and an older brother.

From “I love you to the moon and back.” and the golden rule.

I am from church on Sundays and cookouts.

I am from the electrician who was everyone's friend.

I am from the peanut butter cookies, and the warm banana bread.

From the veterans who wanted the best for their family,

To not being able to achieve that goal.

From the worn out fences,

To the old horse who lost his right eye.

I am from the bright days,

And the calm nights.

Where wrong is wrong,

And right is right.

I am from the paint-chipped garage.

I am from the pine trees, the pond, I am from

Christmas at grandmas and Dad's humor, from Jim and Siobhan, and Havlicheks.

I am from fly fishing with dad and going up north. From "lock it down" and "wrap it up".

I am from church with my grandma.

I am from easter service with mom.

I'm from Flushing, the taste of pasta and goulash.

From the walks in the park, the old playground, and grandma's pool.

I am from climbing the pine tree in the front lawn.

I am from big bonfires, twice my dad's height.

I am from a small brick house in Flushing.

I am from sunflowers in the yard, and shamrocks by the window. I am from fireworks at the baseball field, and playing cards. From Aunt Beth’s calm quiet voice to talks with aunt Kathy in the woods. I am from being scared of the basement and what might be hiding beside my bed. I am from Christmas day in the living room and Halloween with older cousins. I am from old irish symbols hanging on the window that outlooks the soybean fields. I am from long car rides and deer heads and antlers hung from the wall as trophies. I am from Campbell's chicken noodle soup and rice krispie treats topped with sprinkles. I am from the crosses hanging on the wall, St. Patrick and small Catholic churches. I am from playing in the neighbors pool, chainlink fences in the backyard to keep them separated, and playing tag in the woods. I am from memory boxes, old pictures kept in the basement, and bridge street. 

I am from dog hair, from Chuck It Junk Removal and love.

I am from the wooded country, where Taylormades lay.

(White, catching your eye in an instant.)

I am from the Hydrangeas, which were planted and now overgrown by my mother. 

I am from Swedish meatballs and fathers readers, from Dexter's casserole and his signs of love.

I am from the give it 110% and having fun, from healthy to sore. 

I am from St. John's Catholic.

I am from small town Howell and Italy with Germany in my blood. 

I am from Mana’s and Ama’s, Salad and German chocolate cake. 

From the papa we lost, to the cabin he worked to settle one day, he did it for us.

I am from the basement box, shelves and boxes to the fire proof safe to keep from where I am protected.  

I am from huge pillows, from fresh sheets,and fluffy blankets.

I am from the garden that goes over the horizon.

I am from the roses, and lotuses.

I am from the raspberry bushes and the strawberry bushes.

I am from the Christmas cookies and laughter.

I am from card games, and board games.

I am from the fun and silly.

I am from the “Try your best” to “I’m so proud of you”.

I am from Michigan, cake, and steak.

I am from strawberry jam, candy, and sweets.

I am from the mom who is braver than the rest, the dad who works hard everyday, and the sister who is always studying.

I am from the rainy nights, and glowing sunsets.

I am from busy days and lazy nights.

by Tristan Nichols

I am from cluttered tables and narrow hallways 

I am from tires in the dirt and openly placed gardens

I am from the shop machines whirring, to the hens cawing from the Do as I say, not as I do.

I am from the bagel nights with all kinds, and the in and out of cars

I am from Brighton, the outskirts and rural

I am from the hammock swinging to the moonless nights

From the riled to the drowsed

I am from the Cicadas singing to the Cardinals fighting

From the soft days in and the hard days out

I am from the light spent full to the night spent looking

I am from the wild weather that ruins some and makes others happy

I am from the gathering of faces and the laughter of many

From the uncontrollable acts of family pets 

And I am a brother and an example to all I love

By: Brendan Bertan

I carry midnight thoughts that move like footsteps through empty halls,

the hum of quiet machines, the sigh of walls as they settle.

I carry echoes that do not belong to voices,

silence that bends itself until it becomes song.

I carry laughter that hides an ache,

stories stitched with shadows,

where every ending waits only to open into something new.

I carry the warmth of morning even after sleepless nights,

the smell of rain on fresh pavement,

and windows that hold light long after the sun has gone.

I carry the work of hands that build and break and build again,

shards of glass remade into mirrors,

teaching me that even pain can shine.

I carry the pages of books that never let me go,

the songs that hum beneath quiet days,

and the steady rhythm of time carrying me forward.

I carry shadows, yes,

but I also carry light—

always searching for a way through the cracks.

I am from scattered dog toys and clean rooms

I'm from humid summers, cotton fields, and hickory forests 

I am from smoked brisket at uncle tim’s house, forgiveness, from grandmas and grandpas

I am from family pheasant hunts and Iowa thanksgivings

From hard work and gratefulness

I'm from North Carolina, mashed potatoes, and peach pie

I'm from family pictures in the living room and on the refrigerator

I’m from church on Sunday mornings and moving across the east coast

by Brianna Refalo

I am from toys on the floor, from dog hair on my shirt

I am from the woodchips on the sidewalk 

I am from the sign at the bus stop, The apple tree in the back yard 

I am from church on Christmas eve 

From cousin Allie and Uncle Dave

I am from Aunt Sheryl”s fruit salad 

From don"t let the bed bugs bite to 

Love you to the moon and back 

From church on Easter and youth groups on Sundays 

I am from dance, and long nights at the studio 

I am from travaling, The long flights, and the fun adventures

I am from the the shoe box of photos under my desk 

From the box in the closet

I am from 2k20, an XBox, and banging 3 pointers.

I am from down the road from the school, in an old house with an old soul. 

I am from the Fraser and Douglas Firs in whose branches I prune and cut every summer.

I am from Grandma’s white chocolate moose cake, from listening to late-night Drake. 

I am from the two-hand-touch Thanksgiving football games, with blue eyes from Grandpa.

I am from a hospital in Howell, Michigan.

I am from Connor-Muffin and Kanye. 

I am from my Dad’s laziness, and my Mom’s outgoingness. 

I am from my Mom’s apple pie and my Dad’s burgers.

I am from my Mom’s car crash, from my Mom’s broken neck.

I am from McDonald’s, where you’ll always catch me chasing a check.

I am from my Dad breaking his arm on a piano.

I am from my Mom’s embarrassing Facebook posts.

By Lex Glime 

I am from Hot-wheels, from action figures, and superheroes.

I am from the old wooden treehouse by the pond,

With the pirate ship steering wheel. 

I am from our oak tree, “The Pig Tree”, who offered rides to us,

Climbing to the top. 

I am from Mom’s Christmas casserole, from the pickle in the tree,

From Mimi’s Easter egg hunt, and Grandma Helen’s strawberry shortcake

I am from family Risk and Monopoly, and “Glenry” vacations up north. 

I’m from “AJ” by Uncle Bill, and “squirt” By Grandpa

I am from Cranberry Court, ghetto mac n cheese, and scalloped potatoes

From my dad’s funny college stories, 

From Mimi’s obsession with purple, and Uncle Paulie’s war stories. 

I’m from the up north photo album, and my dad’s Facebook posts,

Which captures these moments in time. 

by: Cael Wilson

I am from hydrangeas, from pool days, and essential oils.

I am from sunsets on a porch swing.

(swinging with the comfort of my dog Charlie)

I am from pine trees and Bermuda grass

Which was stripped to perfection.

I am from Christmas tree shopping, 

and an egg bake on a beautiful Christmas morning

From jokers to businessmen, and athletes.

I am from "go get 'em

Slugger,”

To” have a good first day at school!”

I am fromHowelll, Michigan

Where the battle of 59 takes place.

From watching Friday Night Lights,

to early morning School days.

I am from long nights at the hockey rink

to early mornings on the baseball diamond.

From lake days at the clubhouse,

To firework Shows on the 4th of July.

From the farmers market with mom

to having a toss with my dad.

I am from the hanging flower baskets, the peach tree.

I am from family Sunday's and loving and giving people, from Stephanie, and Kim, and Trisha.

I am from the dinner table and the pool, and football.

From "blow out the candles," and "be kind."

I am from church on Sunday's.

From Poland and Ireland, pierogi and pizza.

From Kim tripping and falling after I told her not to, the bag, and Dave's wedding ring.

From Bible verses, the family tree, and family photos all over the wall.

From the big kitchen where someone is always cleaning up or cooking something.