Where We're From - The Chicago Poetry Center

Where We’re From

Where we’re from is never just the geographic place we call home. This week, the 7th and 8th graders of Waters explored how place impacts their sense of self. After reading George Ella Lyon’s “Where I’m From” poem, students drew their homes, reflecting on the memories held there by using their five senses. Then, students wrote about the many smells, sounds, and stories of the places that raised them.

Ms. Hernandez (7th Grade)

I am Abe M.

I am from my dad’s Jazz concert

I am from the Wisconsin Wilderness

I am from food of so many cultures

I am from drawing with my mom

I am from science and thinking

I am from Ilora P.

I am from laughing and cozy

warm areas in my house.

I am from my beautiful, loving,

caring, and everything parents.

I am from my lord and savior

who created me

I am from avocados, with rice

wrapped in seaweed dipped in salty

sauce.

I am from what makes me

comfortable, stylish, and cool.

Ms. Hernandez (8th Grade)

I Am From... Chloe S.

I am from colored pencils and kandi stars

I am from guitar solos & singing, music notes flying through the air

I am from caesar ciphers and psychology books

I am from Keplet 22-b and the Aurora Borealis

I am from luna moths

I am from online browser games

I am me

I'm from Leo H.

I’m from Minecraft with my friends

I’m from walking around the city with friends

I’m from being home alone playing Elden Ring

I’m from orange chicken with my family

I’m from walking Kani in the woods

I’m from my grandmother’s tacos

I’m from Kani and Belzi

I’m from peach ice cream in summer

I’m from snow days with my friends