Poetry: I am from

Where are You From?

When getting to know someone new, we often ask them, "Where are you from?" But what does their answer really tell us about their life?

Using George Ella Lyon's poem as inspiration, write your own "I am from" poem. You may also view the poet's multimedia presentation of her poem.

George Ella Lyon's poem uses sensory details to describe the important people, places, and things that influenced her life.  In this student version of the poem, the focus is on certain challenges the poet has faced and his dream for the future.

More Student Samples
Amelia
Evelyn

1.  Use the I am From Poem scaffold as a guide to writing your own "I am from" poem. There are many other versions of the poem on Youtube if you need further inspiration. (Please use your earbuds when listening from your own Chromebook.)

Your poem will be shared with the class on your personal blog.

Sensory Detail

Sensory details, also known as sensory language, are describing words that appeal to the five senses: 

touch, smell, sight, sound, taste.

 Sensory details will bring your writing to life. What sensory details do you notice in George Ella Lyon's poem?

I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride. 

I am from the dirt under the back porch. 

(Black, glistening it tasted like beets.) 

 2.  Revise your "I am from" poem by adding sensory language that will bring the images to life in the mind of your reader. Please highlight your revisions so that the teacher can see the additions you made.