
I wrote an earlier blog about a workshop I attended centered around the poem “Where I’m From” written by George Ella Lyon. You can read that post by following this link.
I finally have my first version of that poem complete and as promised, I am sharing it here. It definitely gives you a taste of the way I grew up. After writing, I realized I could write this poem ten times over because it is impossible to include all the aspects of who I am in one short poem. But this does give you a window into what makes me who I am.
Maggie – Where I’m From
I am from worn-out Bibles and divinity fudge
From mimosa trees and bumblebees
I am from stringin’ beans and shuckin’ corn
and huddling around the Siegler stove.
I am from black walnuts
whose shells hid tiny faces with big eyes.
I am from valley creek and the baptizing hole
From Bertha Rose and Walter.
I am from minding your manners
and counting your blessings.
from hard workers and tall tale-tellers.
I’m from Peace in the Valley and Steal Away to Jesus
I am from Big Jim and Freida Mae
angel biscuits and chinquapins
from walking home after Sunday preachin’.
Faded faces of my family kept
tucked away in a Whitman’s Sampler box
still smelling of old chocolate.
From heart attacks and mistletoe and
stereo images of well-appointed ladies.
I am from those moments slowly slipping away
but forever in my DNA.
Our first apartment had a space heater by Siegler. Is that what you’re talking about, or is it an actual range?
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John, it was a rather large oil burner (maybe 4′ high) with a round vent at the bottom where the blower blew out warm air. As kids, we would lie on the floor and dry our hair in front of the blower.
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Nice imagery. Also nice to see the back and forth about your memories. Bro? Happy to know you have continued with this piece.
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Thank you, Kay. Not sure what you meant by ‘Bro’. I might be slow on the uptake.
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Sorry for the confusion. You had mentioned a brother.
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Ahhh, yes. I see I was definitely slow on the uptake. Thank you for clarifying.
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Wonderful. I can truly get a sense from all those specific details.
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Thank you, Elizabeth. It was a good exercise in remembering specific details of my past.
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This gets better every time you write it 💜💜
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This was my first poem, Willow. I know Lauren wrote two versions.
I think I will stop with this one. It is a good picture of my foundation.
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I am so sorry, yes it was Lauren, I was not paying attention, apologies bro Lauren too🥴💜💜💜💜
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No apology necessary, Willow. We read from so many different bloggers every day it is easy to mix it up. I have done this myself!
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Lol I know 💜
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Wonderful
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Thank you.
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Oh Maggie, everything you write paints vivid images! PLEASE write a book. I’ve seeing inside your head and heart.
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Should have said…I love seeing…..! I should proof read! Lol.
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Thank you, Nancy. I am working on a book. I appreciate your support.
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I can picture it all from your words. My own ‘where I’m from’ couldn’t be more different. I might have to think about writing one of these, Maggie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh, Pete, that would be interesting. There are many, many helpful tools online to gather thoughts and format a similar structure. I would love to read something like this from you.
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This is a beautiful, nostalgic poem. it gives me a glimpse of who you are.
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Thank you. It was a wonderful memory process.
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This. Is. Beautiful. I am so honored that I am from YOU.
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You are sweet my child. Did you understand it all?
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Every bit of it.
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Beautiful poem. Beautiful memories. I await your book.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Don.
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Lovely poem, Maggie with some wonderful imagery and I can see your childhood rolling past my eyes. It’s a brilliant exercise to do and I’ll use it with my writing group sometime.
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Thank you, Mary. It was a wonderful way to put myself back in that time and place. I appreciate your comment so much. I think this poem would be a great writing exercise. 😊
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Great post! I’m inspired to write a poem of where I come from! Looking forward to following and reading more! Take care.
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I am just seeing this comment. Thank you for commenting. Dd you write your version?
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