Where I'm From...

Lately, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on where I'm from and figuring out exactly how to put that place into words.  A fellow educator and amazing friend gave me this idea during my student teaching.  I decided to embark on this idea with my students.  Modeled after the book Mama, Where Are You From? by, Marie Bradby and George Ella Lyon's poem Where I'm From, students reflect on where they are from to create their own poems.  Tonight, I have finally created my poem.  And Mom and Dad, please don't turn this into this years Christmas card. 

Where I’m From:

By Micaela Kazanowski

I’m from a family who couldn’t take ourselves too seriously,

A mom, dad, and two older brothers.

I’m from Downy sheets and fresh laundry

And reading aloud to my stuffed animals.

From The Mouse and the Motorcycle to Pat the Bunny.

I’m from hockey games and skating rinks,

From the rubber-band gun waiting on top of the fridge.

And screaming my brother’s name, while staring at my mom.

I’m from the feel of warm water on my toes,  

Clasping your hands together hoping to find a tadpole inside.

I’m from the waves of Lake Huron and s’mores around the fire.

I’m from long road trips to see family,

Squished in the middle of two forces of protection.

The sound of “He hit me,” and “I have to go to the bathroom,” ringing in my parents ears.

I’m from the Indy 500 around our pool,

And “You can only stay here if you bring me my water.”

I’m from WWF wrestling matches, and winning the tag-team champion paper belt.

I’m from late night dance rehearsals

Where feet blistered, and hair was pulled back.

From, “Mom, I still see a bump.”

I’m from a move filled with tears, loneliness and “Can we go back?”

And my dad making it happen.

I’m from a growing town that turned from small to big overnight.

I’m from a family who couldn’t take ourselves too seriously,

A mom, dad, and two older brothers.

And “I love you” all along the way.