"I Am From"

This poem is inspired by a workshop presented at Little Rock National Writing Project. The workshop was inspired by George Ella Lyon's "Where I'm From."

I am from cast iron skillets

From sweet tea and antibacterial soap

I am from the hard rock

Gray with smells of lavender and lilies 

I am from the weeds

The pine tree

I'm from vacations and round backsides

From Vickie and Dorletha

I'm from prayer and saving

And from helping others

I'm from wit and uniqueness

And "seek the Lord while he may be found"

I'm from birthday dinners

I'm from Little Rock and Black

Cornbread and collard greens

From Uncle John who owned a car when black folks couldn't drive

From children gathered around parents as a visual of how parents are pillars that if torn apart destroys the family 

Reviews

[Anonymous]

This is a very sophisticated piece, I like your way of narrating and the rhymes. The message is very deep.