George Ella Lyon’s “Where I’m From” is a famous poem and writing prompt that uses specific, sensory details from her Kentucky childhood (like “clothespins,” “dirt under the back porch,” and family names) to explore identity, home, and personal history, inspiring countless others to write their own versions.
Mrs. Collins, 6th Grade
I am from the city of sirens and howls
Where the weather can’t be predicted
I am from the big, shiny Bean
Which is seen from the moon beam
Where the Bears always lose
They dye the river green
The rain never sleeps
And the sun never shows
I am from the big blue arch
I am from the city with the elevated train
I am from the 2016 World Series Winners
I am from the team with Sammy Sosa
I am from the park with the big slide
I am from the train loop
I am from
I am from
Ms. Heneghan/ Mrs. McClain, 7th Grade- Group One
I am from…
I am from comfortness while watching TV
I am from party games
I am from protection for my feet
I am from a place to keep me from not being hungry
I am from the heated flames of my food cooker
I am from my electric video device
I am from my water source
I am from my food holders
I am from my soft and large clouds
From hours of moving around down underneath
The work in life has time and time
I am from the love of art, talent, and care
Looking at me, looking back
I am from loud noise people
I am from silence
It starts with quiet
I am from music in my ears
I am from silence
Ms. Heneghan/ Mrs. McClain, 7th Grade- Group 2
I am from a city skyline and tall buildings
I am from a small red brick house
I am from the small room down the hall
I am from long nights ready to sleep
I am from stuffed animals I held in the dark
I am from bedding that is pulled tight on the bed
I am from the big brown tv table
I am from a big TV table were i use to watch stuff
I am from fun times and schoolwork
I am from a very hard work place
I am from an entrance between one place and another
I am from one place to a different place in a different way
I am from comfort
I am from a very comfy place
I am from my father that gave me all the things to do
I am from a very strong man
Ms. Heneghan/ Mrs. McClain, 8th Grade- Group 3
I am from popping noises outside my door
I am from southern illinois and you look like your father
I am from the windy city where the seasons are freezing and steaming.
I am from “miska moosca mickey mouse.”
I am from hot dogs with relish and no ketchup
I am from a tsunami of stuffed animals
I am from tapping of the rain on my windows and walls
I am from the sun shining in through cracks in my blinds
I am from dead and browning plants
I am from snow blowing in my face on the walk to school
I am from charcuterie boards with mini grapes
I am from running and falling up and down the stairs in my houses
I am from quite coyotes and shut up sharks
I am from smiling faces and soft furs, creating towers on my bed
I am from grass stains, ponytails, and sore legs
I am from ipads and mobile games
I am from walking to stores with friends through snow and heat
I am from driving through skyscrapers and looking up until my neck was sore
I am from smiles and laughs from family and friends