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I read a blog this morning that touched my soul for numerous reasons.

http://agracefull-life.com/2023/09/18/where-im-from/

The author wrote a poem from a template and after reading hers I knew I had to do the same. To honor my parents. To relive my idyllic childhood. To reflect on the varied ancestors who had come before.

It was a bittersweet journey of remembrance and I’d love for you to do the same.

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Where I’m from.

I am from the well worn but oh so comfortable reading chair in the library.

From Stewarts Root Beer floats and Fralingers salt water taffy.

I am from brick walls and polished slate floors. The solid, firm foundation that wrapped me in a warm embrace.

I am from the central rose garden. Fragrantly scenting the air… delicate, yet able to survive the storms.

I’m from magical Christmas Eves in NYC. From never losing your temper and treating everyone with respect.

From Lovey and Lottie Mae.

I’m from a stiff upper lip and a dry sense of humor.

From don’t take any wooden nickels to follow your dreams.

I’m from quiet personal faith, the kind that doesn’t need a church to know right from wrong.

I’m from a serene English garden transplanted to the middle of suburbia, from bangers and mash to boeuf bourguignon.

From painful separation on Ellis Island. From family betrayal and loss of legacy. From the sacrifice required to hold a family together. From the triumph of perseverance, hard work and above all… love.

I’m from the wall of framed pictures that line our hall… and from that beautifully bound and gold monogrammed navy leather photo album, brittle with age but continuing to hold us together.

The faces and places. The history of a lineage whose many parts came together to form…. me.

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Here’s a link to the template if you’d like to try your hand at poetry.

https://www.wsuu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/I_Am_From_Poem(2).pdf

I found it to be oddly cathartic. Maybe you will as well.

If so… please share yours and add a link in the comments.

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❤️