Template for a “Where I’m From” poem
  Capturing the "you-ness" of your life

Where Are You From?

“If you don’t know where you’re from, you’ll have a hard time saying where you’re going.” Wendell Berry, among others, has voiced this idea that we need to understand our roots to know our place in the world.

Give it a try. The prompts have a way of drawing out memories of the smells of attics and bottom-drawer keepsakes; the faces of long-departed kin, the sound of their voices you still hold some deep place in memory. You’ll be surprised that, when you’re done, you will have said things about the sources of your unique you-ness that you’d never considered before. What’s more, you will have created something of yourself to share--with your children, spouse, siblings--that will be very unique, very personal and a very special gift.

Brainstorm a list

Brainstorm a list of places that stick in your mind.
Next, go beyond places. Describe colors, people, and objects
Then, try to remember sayings from parents/friends
Keep going:

Items from around the house
Items from the yard
Items found in the neighborhood
Names of relatives
Names of foods, dishes that recall family gatherings

Organize some of them into a form, starting with the WHERE I’M FROM Template:

1. I am from _______ (specific ordinary item), from _______ (product name) and _______.
2. I am from the _______ (home description… adjective, adjective, sensory detail).
3. I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail)
4. I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name).
5. I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one).
6. From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another).
7. I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it). Further description.
8. I’m from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family).
9. From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member).
10. I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

“Where I’m From” - the original poem
Audio of George Alyon reading “Where I’m From”