Where I'm From Poems- 8th Grade - The Chicago Poetry Center

Where I’m From Poems- 8th Grade

This week we read Where I’m From by George Ella Lyons and talked about how the places we come from, influence and help to shape our identities. Students in Ms. Turner’s 8th grade class had an opportunity to work on their own poems about place and home.

Ms. Turner 8th Grade

I Come From Damian T

My name is Damian
I come from being responsible
to being capable.
I see the darkness in my room
I see the coming up my shoe.
I go to a good feeling school
instead of bein a straight fool.
I like to play sports
instead of being bored.
When I’m tired I see red in my eyes
and I think I’m somewhat fly.
I come from eating chicken noodle
soup for lunch
from trying to go to brunch.
I come from you can’t do that
you too hard-headed
to yes just make sure you’re good.
I see the dish water flow like
the ocean
I come from running and putting
on lotion.

I Come From Memories Samariah K.

I come from Memories
of knowing I have a pretty
smile.

I come from memories
of making people’s day
better

I come from being influenced
by my mom

I come from being influenced
by my dad

I come from a parent
who influenced me to never
give up.

I come from a parent
who influenced me to save
money.

I come from eating Mc Donald’s
when I’m outside

I come from put
it in your own words

I'm From Tranyece H.

I come from doing cartwheels
in the backyard. I come from
toe touches and stunting. I come
from piano lessons and music
I come from a small room
in a big house.

I come from a book with
lessons. I come from hot
baked food in the kitchen.
I come from a big
family with love and support.

I Come From… Daranae D.

I come from…

Eating ramen noodles when we didn’t go
grocery shopping or my mom didn’t cook.

I come from celebrating Christmas and
New Year’s with my family.

I come from “go sit down” when it’s too
much commotion going on.

I come from wearing a nappy ponytail when I
didn’t get my hair done.

I come from having a cabinet with bags and
can food.

I come from having a bin full of barrettes
and headbands.

Profiles E'Lynn J.

I come from memories of high school
clips.
I come from memories of Rich Black People.
My mama influenced me.
My Grandma influenced me.
I watched people go to school and
realized that’s me.
I watched people go to practice and
realized that’s me.
I watched people struggle and realized
that used to be my people.
I watched people die and saw how
bad I can be hurt.
I watched people have passion and
noticed I need that.
If I looked away from pain
I will be a better person.