Mini Poem

As a "get to know each other" sort of activity we wrote these poems for class. They were modeled after a poem by Beverly Daniel Tatum, and our teacher later used the poem as an example for designing good assignments and curriculum - having enough parameters and structure while leaving plenty of room for creativity and diversity. We were supposed to use "I am from" at the beginning of each stanza. It reminded me a lot of our "I am" poems in second grade. :) Anyway it was fun and mom wanted me to post it... so here it is.
 

I am from baskets of colorful wool and soft alpaca blends;

so many projects to finish in time for Christmas,

knitting season is the coziest of all.

I am from the northwest in the summertime,

an overflowing vegetable garden, mom and I canning homemade blackberry jam,

striped aprons and fresh baked bread, 

and farmers markets every Saturday by the ferry.

I am from inside jokes with my sister that nobody else understands,

cribbage games with grandpa, the sore loser and loud winner,

lazy afternoons wading in the inflatable pool

on dads obsessively manicured lawn.

I am from a happy balance of work and play.

wonderful roommates, moldy student housing, ant infestations,

Thursday potlucks and good friends, kitchen dance parties

working hard in school, evergreen programs shaping my future.

                                                                        

I am from wonderful caring teachers

who showed me what school and learning is supposed to be

inspiring me as I hope to inspire others someday.

I am from the promise of good education for everyone.