I am from…
the love of two mothers,
three sets of grandparents
(i thought everyone had)
and a father’s laughter.
I am from…
tease of best younger brother,
crossing line in car’s backseat,
okay, put on the boxing gloves
(always hit ’em below the neck)
I am from…
hamburger casseroles,
patio picnics with friends
popcorn, swedish pancakes,
home-canned jars of applesauce.
I am from…
summers of biking, hiking,
softball striking (you’re out)
driving past windmills, cornfields
anticipating visits with cousins.
I am from…
library books, music lessons,
arts & crafts; friday sleepovers
and saturday morning cartoons,
sunday school memory verses.
I am from…
games of monopoly and ping pong
yo-yos, troll dolls, four-square at recess
playing house or school with teddy bears
neighbor kids’ army in dad’s uniform hats.
I am from…
hurry up or you’ll miss the bus,
clean your plate, did you make your bed?
be nice to your brother (you’re older, they said)
finish your homework, say your prayers.
yep, that’s where i’m from!
Based on a poem by George Ella Lyon: http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html
a poem in my pocket 
Apr 25, 2015 @ 16:45:28
Great detailings of your roots! My mom still tells me to say my prayers every night… smiles
Apr 25, 2015 @ 16:11:18
Hmmmm, I send you an email. Please check your mailbox. Thanks.
Apr 25, 2015 @ 17:08:48
I sent a reply, Mary…no problem 🙂
Apr 25, 2015 @ 15:27:29
Great visuals. There is a joyful feeling to this as you share with us all the little pieces of you!
Apr 25, 2015 @ 14:54:38
ha nice.. i love that you weave the swedish pancakes and
home-canned jars of applesauce in there…hmmm… and monopoly… i’ve played my fair share of monopoly during my childhood.. for hours on end…smiles
Apr 25, 2015 @ 13:44:03
We are indeed a product of so many different people, things, and experiences. Nicely done!
Apr 25, 2015 @ 13:12:12
This is so fun and sounds familiar on many counts. A great idea for a poetry or prose prompt!
Apr 25, 2015 @ 12:49:03
Nostalgia plus poetic emotion–a terrific combination. Maybe “I’m From” could be a dVerse “Poetics” prompt one day.
Apr 25, 2015 @ 09:28:50
what fine roots that have sprouted a good thing. Very nice
Apr 25, 2015 @ 08:34:45
I love this way how you describe yourself… wonderful images, I love the progression into childhood, and it made me remember the car-trips we did when I was a kid… (I had a sister).
Apr 25, 2015 @ 07:58:38
Nice, I love the different facets of where you are from ~ Specially love the first stanza – the love of family & father’s laughter ~