Where I’m From Poem…You’ll be writing an autobiographical poem/story in which you’ll creatively express where you are from. To help guide you, follow the stanzas below and look at the example modeled on the back of this sheet. However, keep in mind this is your story; therefore, it should be original to you.

Helpful hints as you write your poem…

Expressive words such as sights, sounds, and feelings make memorable moments stand out, and they are easier for readers to visualize.

It might be easier to brainstorm if you think of a particular age; for instance, imagine yourself at age(s) 6, 7, 8 or 10.

This isn’t a strict or rigid poem, so you can be flexible. Your poem doesn’t have to rhyme, and some stanzas may be longer than others.

After you write your poem, you may want to find a photo which captures the essence of your poem, sharing who you are and where you come from.

1. First stanza: What do you remember seeing around your house during your childhood? List the items that characterize your environment. (Examples: favorite toys, antiques, special items to your family, etc)

2. Second stanza: Step outside, what do you see in your front yard, your sidewalk; the street, the neighborhood? (Examples: tree forts, gardens, park, swing, etc)

3. Third stanza: List names of relatives, particularly those who link you to the past. What about your relationship is special, and who and what stands out to you? (Examples: your brother’s jokes, grandparent’s hugs, cousin’s secret handshake, etc)

4. Fourth stanza: List some sayings and expressions from your childhood. What are some of the phrases you heard over and over again? What are a few sayings that would distinguish your family from others?

5. Fifth stanza: Name some foods and dishes that you recall from family gatherings. Think of both daily meals and special treats.

6. Ending: Name the place where your childhood memories are kept. This could either be realistic (photo albums, diaries, boxes) or metaphoric.

Think about the beginning and ending of your poem- where you are from, who you are, and where you are going?

Modification: If you’ve already done this in another class, or it’s uncomfortable to think of your past and share those memories, you may interview a family member or a good friend and then write a “Where I’m From” about them; however, put yourself in their shoes and stay in first person perspective. For example: Ms. Proper interviewed her grandma before she passed away and then read her poem at her funeral. It was special and powerful! She felt she left her people by telling them, where she came from.

Where I’m From…

I am from dark fall evenings with candles dancing on the wall, the smell of oven-cooked chicken gently spilling down the hall, waiting, waiting, waiting for our dinner guests, waiting for our playmates.

I am from the backyard where Dad and I are playing ball.Football = fall – button-hook, down-and-out, post, deep to the rhubard

patch.Baseball = spring and summer – ground-balls, diving in the soft, green

grass, pop-ups – “mom, watch!” higher, higher into the air, down, down, missing my glove, my eye! crying, hurt, embarrassed.

I am from dad and his hobbies – oldies music, baseball cards, from mom and her care – order, simplicity, safety, from family fun nights – Bonkers, Hawaiian punch, electric footballfrom dual dedication to us all.

I am from wha, wha, wha,,what time is it?C, c, c, can I help you?I,I,I,I … I can’t do it. Laughter, but not with me.

I am from hamburgers on Monday, chicken on Tuesday, Pork chops on Wednesday, chicken noodle soup of Thursday, Pizza and popcorn after Sunday evening church service.

I am from places deep within my heart where memories = feelings, feelings of happiness and security, loneliness and insecurity;

Where feelings = inspiration, inspiration to share, to show, to struggle; Where inspiration meets its foes, the foes of defeat, despair, loneliness,

frustration, lack of self-confidence …Where these foes finally are vanquished forever more.

-Mr. Schutz

Looking for an extra challenge?? Add poetic techniques…

Similes: Comparing two things without the use of “like” or “as”. EX: The terrorism became a road for war.

Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds. EX: The stormy sky surrounded bringing forth soaking rains.

Rhyme: The repetition of sounds either at the end of lines (end rhymes) or within lines (internal rhymes).

Onomatopoeia: The use of words that sound like what they mean. Ex: Boom, kerplunk, gush, hush, whirr, squeak, etc.

Name______________________ Hr.___

“Where I’m From” Rubric

Turn this sheet in at the time of your presentation ___ / .5

Descriptive language: Use words that audiences can visualize. (Have you created pictures with your words, and captured the moments… tastes, smells, sights, etc?)

___ /2

Formatting: Use all the stanzas (1st thru ending). Your poem should be between 15 and 20 lines. For total points, you should have a minimum of 12 “from” statements.

___ / 1

Publication ready: Your final version should be typed with correct spelling and grammar.

___ / .5

Presentation: Use strong speaking skills, appropriate volume, speed, posture, and eye contact as you share your poem aloud to the class.

___ / 2

Aesthetically pleasing: Your final product should be pleasing to the eye, interesting to look at, as well as creative and neat. It should also include at least one photograph of you.

___ / 2

Total Score ____ / 8