Where I’m From

Inspired by the original poem “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon, I spoke my version of this deeply moving poem on Instagram Live, on April 28, 2022, with host, comic book author, and film producer, Alyson Shelton, to celebrate National Poetry Month.

You can watch the entire Where I’m From series on Alyson’s YouTube channel and listen to George Ella read her original poem.

I am from buttercream yellow kitchen walls,

From a General Electric avocado green stove and the Good Housekeeping Cookbook.

I am from the tiger lilies pushing up against the chain-linked fence.

(Orange, erect, between patches of urine-soaked lawn from the dogs.)

I am from the Rose of Sharon

The neighbor’s elm

Whose limbs stole across our yard blanketing pollen

Like snow

Every spring.

I am from Easter baskets and hand-me-downs,

Mary Margaret and Patrick Dixon.

I’m from the “Get that dog outta here’s”

And “Be home before the streetlights are on,”

From Sit still! and Hurry up!

I’m from Three Rivers and The Terrible Towel,

Chipped ham from Bob’s Grocery two doors down and tuna noodle casseroles.

From the belt my father wielded like power.

From my mother immunizing the sick and poor.

I’m from Bless me Father for I have sinned, Hail Mary Full of Grace, Jesus on the cross in every room, and candles lit for the deceased and fallen.

I’m from pride and hope — vats of scrambled eggs for dinner, Fish on Fridays.

From the woman who birthed and raised six boys and six girls, mostly alone, with no regrets.