Monday, July 18, 2011

A 2 Z: I Am From...



I am from trails weaving through the trees, from ponds of Koi, and blanket forts. I am from sailing hand-painted boats down the “Mississippi,” riding the Up-Down Cherry Tree, and catching frogs and snakes outside before tea parties and dress up inside.

I am a country girl.

I’m from sisters who are best friends, imaginary worlds and elaborate games that made chores more fun (if more slow). From homeschooling around the kitchen table, playing otter in the pool, and reading all night in the crack of light from the hall. I’m from flaky pie crusts, “cream-ice,” and eating whole bags of chocolate chips.

I am from Squires chutzpah and Wiley faith that God will provide. From searching out the Bible to find out what I believe and lively debates about what might be. I am from pioneers and missionaries, medical anomalies and miracle-believers, Bible studies and elder-run churches.

I am from “keeping to the left,” laughing until we cry and our faces turn purple, and Dutch Blitz late into the night. I am from “my husband sent me for this light,” nonsense poems, se cayo, and singing while we work. I am from reading aloud with all the voices, from word games, and spontaneous adventures.

I am from Squires irony, Wiley jokes, White stubbornness, and Rubesh music. From Ecuadorian llama rugs, wood-smoke hugs, crochet lessons, and twenty cousins.

I am from falling stars seen from sleeping bags spread in the grass, from inseparable best-friends, and litters of cuddly kittens. From a 100-acre farm, custom-made houses, and learning responsibility from rabbit hutches full of fluffy Angoras.

I am from dancing in the rain, hiking in the hills, fishing in the rivers, and gazing at the mountains. I am from keeping on when it’s tough, triumphing when it’s impossible, and refusing to quit.

I am Me.

________________

This exercise is based on a poem by George Ella Lyon called "Where I'm From." I got it from my sister at Purple Puzzle Place. You can find a template to help you write your own here.

For more "I" posts in the "From A 2 Z 4 U & Me" meme, check out Patty Wysong's Mr. Linky at the bottom of her post.

20 comments:

purple_kangaroo said...

I love it! Thanks for doing this. Yours is beautiful and different from mine--I loved reading it.

Felicity said...

I thought this was brilliant!! Really well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Barbara Lynn Culler said...

This has such a native American feel to it, I thought I heard a pan pipe playing in the background! Beautiful!

Patty Wysong said...

Love it, Amy!!
hehe. Especially the Ecuadorian llama rugs. ;-)

Rita Garcia said...

Beautiful, Amy, just like you! I enjoyed reading this delightful post! Love you!

Joanne Sher said...

Fabulous post, Amy - what a neat approach to the topic! Really enjoyed this.

Laury said...

Love seeing this glimpse of you and your sisters, Amy:)

Sara Harricharan said...

Beautiful and lyrical, almost. I liked it--what a fun look at your life Amy! ^_^

Linda W. Owen said...

This is wonderful, Amy! Every one of your masterfully written images is alive and vibrant for your readers. I'm going to your link and try it myself. I've had on my mind needing to write more about my life for my children and grandchildren. This is a great idea!

Carol Wiley said...

I love it Amy! What a picture to view about you.

Marji Laine - Faith Driven Fiction said...

Love your poem! What a great idea!

Debbie said...

This is lovely! The images are so vivid.

Amanda said...

And, you are lovely.

Di Smith said...

Wonderful. It gave me shivers and sighs just reading through your well chosen words :) Hugs!!

WhenJesusSavedMySoul said...

This piece is really really good composed no doubt by a master.

Rhonda Schrock said...

Thumbs up to the "reading all night" part. :)

Very good post!

Nancy K. Sullivan said...

May I add one more, Amy?
You ARE poetry!
What a lovely piece. Everyone will be standing in line to walk a spell in your wonderful shoes.
Beautiful!

Janelle said...

Lovely writing, Amy, with a beautiful lyrical quality and strong imagery. Great memories, too!

love,
Janelle

Niki Turner said...

Oh Amy, make sure you save this for your family and posterity! It's wonderful!

Shelley Ledfors said...

This is lovely, Amy! What a nice tribute in a great format. I really enjoyed this!