Wednesday, March 07, 2012

The Challenge: "Where I'm From"

Four year old me, performing a selection from "My Turn On Earth."


I had a lot of fun this morning with Cocoa's Wordfull Wednesday challenge over at Chocolate on My Cranium. Give it a try! I'd love to read yours, too!

Where I'm From

I am from fierce winds,
from cold, crisp air that sucked my breath away.
I am from tall weeds swaying in dusty earth.
(The bitter of milkweed
clinging to my fingertips.)
I am from the rose bush
the Grand Tree
who still stands waiting for my childish grasp.

I'm from peaches and boxed chocolate,
from Vicki and Ron.
I'm from the sing-alongs
and the told-you-sos,
From “Carry On!” and “Uncle Bud.”
I'm from “How Great Thou Art”
sung in crowds around a fire
and tales of those who paved the way.

I'm from mountain peaks and kudzu trails,
hot grits and orange rolls.
From the sweet milk Granny poured
on her cornflakes,
the thimble perched on Grandma's busy hand.

I miss the laughter of aunts
over dishes and quilts,
softball and soccer,
cousins and tents.

I am from those moments--
a dozen sweet orange buds now bursting
in their turn on the Family Tree.


5 comments:

  1. You have southern blood in you? I can't say I really miss the kudzu. Every now and then I do make hot grits and my kids LOVE them! So much fun to learn more about you!

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  2. Yeah! My dad was born and raised in Alabama and I was born in Georgia and lived there as a child. Funny how deeply the South stays with us!

    My mom was born and raised in Idaho from Scandinavian pioneer stock.

    I never realized how those two backgrounds converged in my life until I wrote this poem. Thank you so much for this challenge!

    Hugs,
    Rachel

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  3. The same thing popped into my head-you are from the South?! Awesome! I LOVE your poem. I especially love the part about your aunts and cousins. I can totally connect with those emotions. I love all your boards on Pinterest and now I am excited to follow your blog. :)

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  4. I am from "singing crowds around the fire" too!
    And I think cornflakes would taste lots better with sweet milk on them. :)

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  5. This is so fun to get to know all you amazing ladies better!

    Thank you for your kind words. I'm happy you're here, Carrie! :)

    And Meg: it always cracked me up-- My little Southern Granny would open a can of CONDENSED milk and pour it over her cornflakes. I never did try it myself to see if it was good! LOL!

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