I am from finding eyeballs and hearts in my garage.
I am from long innings on scorching hot days,
coolers full of pop after softball game—win or lose.
I am from a strong father who gives unending support,
Laughs, and a strong desire to protect our environment.
I am from warm, handmade quilts lovingly made by my mom
to keep out freezing Iowa winters
until it is shorts at 60 degrees!
I am from a sense of adventure and travels—
long summer car rides,
even longer plane rides to new continents.
I am from a laugh so hard you can’t hear it,
a cough that is recognizable anywhere,
and a person always in my corner.
I am from having a constant
companion in my twin (non-identical) brother.
I am from grueling walks to school, next-door lockers,
fights over the computer, and shared minivans.
I am from a strong bond with my childhood’s closest friend.
I am from a land of stuffed animals—
Muffin and Stephanie thrown up into the ceiling fan
Only to fly into the wall with a thud and shriek!
I am from Saturday morning squabbles in a
shared bedroom full of conflicting ideas.
I am from a love of being camp counselors, reveling in nature, raids,
Crazy Sally, the Dance Hall Cave, and the ‘OOL.
I am from a shared love between sisters.
I am from a family combining dark rich soil in Iowa
With the gritty streets of Chicago.
I am from a family with strong roots and pride of heritage--
whether making kolaches, lefse, visiting the farm,
or grabbing nosebleed seats to cheer on our favorite White Sox.
I am from a family full of love—
in the form of hugs, long distance phone calls,
teasing, Family Death Matches,
sloppy doggie kisses, and a promise to see each other soon,
always ending with “I love you.”
I forgot to mention before that this is for autobiography assignment in Teaching Writing Methods. I wrote it to sum it all up without being another 10 page piece!
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Erika,
ReplyDeleteI love this, especially your reference to stuffed animals. That took me right back to childhood because I was, and still am somewhat, the stuffed animal queen. I am assuming this is your work and it really is so cool and beautifully written. It has a lot of power and emotion too!
I love how you set up your autobiography-very creative! This is really well written, and I love the way you end it with a quote. From the few words you wrote in each line, I can see everything your describing. Great piece! :)
ReplyDeleteI would have never thought to write my autobiography in a poem form, so I was glad to see someone did something different. I enjoyed the imagery in your poem, and it helped me envision the love between you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely- full of joy and memories. What a wonderful family you have, who obviously influenced you to be who you are. I love the format!
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