At our public readings we often surprise parents by starting off the evening with a writing activity for them.
At Redwood Heights Elementary School's reading last week, we challenged the students' parents and family members to write "I am From" poems. Here are some samples of their work:
"I am from textured stockings, coffee with sugar, gold earrings and necklaces.
I am from hiding my hands, hiding in the library, hiding in my room.
I am from emerging into sunlight, fall light, cool winter light,
I am from walking on the mountain, regulating my breath,
I am from prous of my limbs, my lungs, my breath, the feeling of elation that fills me when the leaves turn just so."
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I am from my great aunt's table, filled with good food and good manners.
I am from the land of four seasons where leaves crunch underfoot.
I am from a cozy fire shared by two lounging, lolling cat princesses.
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I am from star dust and dark matter over billions of years and smell like oceans and mountains and dust.
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I am from a farm covered with dirt and the sweet smells of the pig sty. I awakened wach morning to the cock's crow, sometimes at 4:00 a.m. as the days lengthened. I am from the smell of barnyard and the taste of teh cow's salt lick which I shared with the bovines. I am from the freedom of wandering about outside, playing in the creek and hiking in the woods.