Guidelines

Write a ‘Where I’m From’ poem that teaches the world about you

• Poem should be approx. 16 lines
• Poem should be STRUCTURED like a poem
• Poem should TEACH the world something about you

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TIPS - Can you draw each line?

Rubric

NAME___________

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I am “I’m not from anywhere, I’m from everywhere”

I am “I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of America”

I am “the true north strong and free”

I am from my friends around the world

from moving and learning new places

looking out the window at lots of new faces

I am from laughter and fun

I‘m from getting my homework done

I am from sweaty leotards and chalk in my hair

from “point your toes”, and “straighten your legs”

I am from “try your best, you don’t need to be perfect”

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I am from the mistakes I have made

to the successes I have created

I am from the books I read

and the stories I write

I am from my family all day and all night

Where I am From

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Charlotte Stein

Where I’m From

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I’m from bright christmas lights,

from sparklers lighting up the night

I’m from high monkey bars and freeze tag

I’m from wet dripping books and ripped socks.

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I’m from fitting in but standing out

I’m from gods who preach a language I do not speak

I’m from watching as everything changes, but I stay put

I’m from living in a shadow, so hard to pull out of

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I’m from crispy caramel popcorn and fuzzy blankets

I’m from carpets covered in light brown fur

From ‘spa days’ and cupcake rain

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I’m from stinky shoes and sweaty hair,

I’m from walls plastered with memories of moments,

Pictures that have made me who I am, and that donut picture

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Subi Kalra

I’m from the land of chimeras and fairytales

Where children can solve crimes and the good side prevails

I’ve battled the Hungarian Horntail and sailed down the Amazon river

Flying high with the seagulls, infiltrating the mind of the Giver.

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I’m from the world of “no reading at the dinner table”

Yet, every time I do, because I can’t stop

Because then I’ll be in a place which is all picture perfect

Where time is fictitious, and mistakes are serendipity,

Where if you “overcome space all you have left is here,

And if you overcome time all you have left is now”,

Where the trees dance day and night

Where you can see smiles stretched so far it could touch the sky,

Where everyone is buoyant, flying high in the sky,

Flying so high, that sometimes they forget where they really are.

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I live in a bubble so fragile it may pop

I live in a place with walls so high I may drop,

I live in a place where everyone is fighting,

Where the people are hunched, looking down,

Each person passing one another without saying a word.

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I may live in this place, but I’m not from it,

I broke down the walls that held me back,

I’m from a place where my imagination can run wild,

I’m from the place of books and novels,

The books where I can hide inside, and go to when in need

The lessons, meanings, and beauty, shape me,

Shaping me to have a strong mind, one that never gives up,

Making the “memories forever”,

Making me a better person everyday,

Making me who I am.

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Where I Am From

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- Tanisha Mehta

Where I’m From

• Ella Bryars

I’m from Christmas lights to Chinese kites

from wearing pants and T, to wearing dresses up to my knees

I’m from go outside and play with friends to stay indoors and play pretend

I’m from eating chicken and cheese, to eating fried guo tiao I please

I’m from using chopsticks and spoons, to using forks and knifes at noon

I’m from places seen before, from places people truly adore

I’m from hardships and falling down to getting back up and running this town

I’m from testing and quizzes to resting and missing

I’m from Buddhas and prayers to Jesus and prepares, although I’m not religious because I’m atheist in there.

I’m from believing what's right to believing what is wrong

I’m from waiting in the dark to following what's in my heart

I’m from falling down, to rising back up

I’m from “Ella go there” to “Ella come here”

I’m from following the status quo, to following my fanatic inner cheer

I’m from physical stitches to mental cures

I’m from try your best, perfection is not a need

I’m from as long as you work hard, your elders will be pleased.

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I am from finish your homework and do the best

From schools that taught me how to behave well

I am from “don’t give up” and “try to succeed”

Which the parents always say when you were working hard

I am from “go to sleep NOW” and “GET UP, you’re LATE!”

And the dreams who takes me away from reality

I am from the colors that drizzle on papers

And creativities that made light bulbs shine in my eyes

I am from the Chinese Spring Festival

Lit up with bright red lights and surrounded by the busy atmosphere

I am from going out with friends to sing and dance like there’s no tomorrow

I am from rainy days that made me depressed and sunny days that lights up my day

I am from the sea, full of books

From read, read, and read

I am from friends who smiled at me and showed underlying kindness when times are tough

I am from being passionate about my family.

Where I’m From

Angela Chu

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I’m from the white crescent moon and the round blue wheel.

I’m from the red and white as well as the saffron, white and green.

I’m from the halwai’s crispy samosas as well as slurpy noodles from the hawker

I’m from the NDTV with Arnab Goswami and Channel News Asia’s Lance Alexander

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I’m from “Don’t eat beef. You’re from the land of the holy cow.”

But then, I walk around and see beef Kuey Teow

I like my aloo parathas as much as pao

I fold my hands and say “namaste” or just “nee how”

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I’m from “Shukriyah and dhanyawaad” as well as “xie xie, Bù kèqì and Qǐng”

“Jana Gana Mana” or “Majulah Singapura, I can sing

I’m from food on skewers, be it kababs or satay.

I’m from enjoying my cup of chai or latte.

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I’m from the land of Hinglish and Singlish

I’m from the dark skin and the small eyes

I’m from the turban and the taqiyah

I’m from Singapore and India

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Where I’m from

Arnab Saha

I’m from where the gears turn by,

from 1 rotation turning into 4.

I’m from how the leaves swayed.

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I’m from the boy who took things apart.

I’m from where my mind functions

when my feet stop.

I’m from the one ant among millions.

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I’m from the experience I gain,

from the blurness I have.

I’m from Albert,Newton,Thomas...

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I’m from how they defined me..as a “dummie”

from my selection of books.

I’m from where the sticks fall on

the ground because of their length.

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I’m from numbers in a program,

from the parts in a structure.

I’m from my 18 characters.

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Where I’m from…

Ming Jin-

I’m from long lush fields and red wooden barns.

From raging rivers and lush deep forests.

To great blue lakes and mountains that you can't see the top of.

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I’m from fancy churches and formal parties.

To fishing and camping trips.

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I’m from jumping, running and getting my hands dirty.

From using cardboard to make massive structures.

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I’m from if you want something done you've got to do it yourself.

From be tough or you're not doing it.

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I’m from ripe juicy apples to sour cherries.

From pumpkin pies and apple fritters.

To savory lake fish.

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I’m from they taught me to say yes sir and yes mam.

From thank you or no thanks.

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I’m from taking things apart to find out what's inside.

From figure things out from the outside of the box.

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Where I’m From

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-Ian T.

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I’m from pacing around in front of people with shaking hands and a nervous voice,

From being curled up in a corner and not talking much.

I’m from being new and acting different,

From leaving old friends and meeting new ones.

I’m from hide and go seek in the sunshine outside,

From tagging games which go on forever.

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I’m from splashing the perfect salty water and diving through the big waves,

I’m from the smooth green grass dancing in the wind,

From the red ripe apples juice oozing out.

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I’m from showing my learning in positive ways and learning from my mistakes.

I’m from working on speaking clearly and standing straight,

From using my hands and projecting loud.

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I’m from high pitched crying and irritation,

From doors slamming shut and balling eyes.

I’m from setting the table and doing the dishes.

I’m from, sit up straight, put your legs in front of you and keep your head held high,

From, “You have a fork and a knife so use them.”

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I’m from showing appreciation and giving back,

From getting up and sharing my seat in public places.

I’m from laughter and love,

From hanging out with friends and having fun.

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Where I Am From

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• Siri Oskarsson

Where I’m from

By: Anya

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I’m from mansions and palaces.

Where a job is treated like water

And water is treated like dirt,

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I’m from “work hard and make history”

Be like Malala, Mandela or Gandhi,

I’m from the depths of their great shadows

Where I can’t rise above the ground

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I’m from a place where they told you to hold your ground.

To be the best and don’t back down.

Even when I wanted to run

and hide,

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I’m from a place where wishes can come true

Where I can grow to become more

Where I can become a better person

In some way - not worsen

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I’m from bees buzzing in roses and sun rays beaming through glass.

I’m from coarse windy beaches and Californian dewy grass.

I’m from school before kindergarten and eating noodles out of mugs

I’m from jolly ole’ beagles and ugly ole’ pugs.

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I’m from joyful disneyland rides and popcorn butter stew.

I’m from screamin’ in california and height restrictions that only grew.

I’m from Sugar being traumatized and Poppy being bitten.

I’m from Rossy ripping Poppy apart to being oh so smitten.

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I’m from overwhelming airplane rides with hefty suitcases and bags.

I’m from watching countless movies and sitting next to creepy hags.

I’m from sleeping in hotel rooms and snoozing on the couch.

I’m from preparing my bed and falling down, yelling “Ouch!”

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I’m from sixth grade jitters and not loving my sister.

I’m from melancholy homework emails and “Sorry, mister”

I’m from losing my everything leaving my brain on the shelf.

Looks like I’m from pulling me out of despair… myself.

Where I’m From…

-Datta

I Am From

By Caroline Meredith

I’m from matching, cozy pajamas on a cold Christmas Eve

And playing sports out back in the fall, crunching the dried and shriveled leaves

I’m from wet and chilly Saturday morning soccer matches

And ,“C’mon Hatch!” my brother would say during an 1 on 1 game

I’m from grapes and sandwiches on a hot summer afternoon

And standing under the shining stars looking for the man in the moon

I’m from singing, learning and listening on the dark, velvet pews

And taking the seat by my sister whenever we travelled, and if we flew

“Do we treasure every moment and those we love?” a fond song would sing

I’m from playing in the snow and on the ice with my siblings

I’m from playing capture the flag around the house with good friends

And then enjoying Little Caesars cheese pizza with root beer

I’m from Pop-secret lightly salted popcorn on the couch watching the Cougs

And falling asleep to the refs whistle and crowds cheering,“Yah!” or, “Boo!”

I’m from watching the white and pink blossoms bloom in the spring

And from snorkeling in Thailand or standing under the snow on the Great Wall in Beijing

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Where I’m From

From Sreshth

I’m from touching elders feet, seeking blessings

I’m from mediterranean food, exotic salad dressings

I’m a mix of curry chicken and French Cheese

I’m from just do it, and yes please,

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I’m from Dub City and apples

Let’s not forget those Snapples

I’m from ACST, I’m from SAS

I’m from many countries, yes?

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I’m from Makloub and French Fries

I’m from grilled chicken and Fried Rice

I’m from eat those vegetables

And when I was young, I was definitely from Aesop's fables

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Twinkle Twinkle Stars,

How I wonder what you are

From not entering with dad in a bars

I’m from warriors and Lares.

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I’m from lighting up candles at night,

Illuminating the stars, so bright

Me being frightened

When out came Night

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Lace up those Shoes,

I’m from Why You Gotta Be So Rude

I’m from Rick Riordan

Let’s not forget Steph Curry and Michael Jordan

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I’m from big bold lights and skyscraper city

From all of the fakeness which makes you look pretty

I’m from you will succeed if you get lucky

Or you might roll the dice and end up with nothing

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I’m from pulling hair and high pitched screams

From tattle tailing and harshly blaming

“Go sit in that chair and think about what you've done”

That fluffy blue seat was never much fun

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I’m from the sweet smell of coconut cookies

From the late family Sunday dinners

I’m from perfectly grilled steak with a side of chimichurri

“Get your bag, the bus is here, you're late, HURRY!”

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I’m from long beachy summer days

From water being splashed all over my face

The cold shock as I enter the Californian sea

I’m from long days shopping with mom

From buying high waisted shorts at Hollister and Forever 21

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I’m from top spins, back spins, follow throughs and all

“Just stop standing there and go hit the ball”

I’m from looking up to others and making them vital

Although one commandment is not to have any idols.

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I’m from “what doesn't kill you makes stronger”

From getting inspired daily by the people I admire

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By Sara Bach

I am from the Big Apple’s grand hotel rooms with dazzling views.

I am from tight black chokers and Steve Madden shoes.

From staying up late working hard

to racing around the green grassy backyard.

Hanging with friends all day having fun.

From “Veronica, I need you to get your work done!”

I am from the place with glimmering lights and broadway shows.

From shopping at fancy boutiques to buy fashionable clothes.

I am from lip-smacking and mouth watering oreo cheesecake

to pulling an all-nighter trying to stay awake.

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I am from my heart aching and my soul crying.

I am from “I cannot believe it, my whole world is slowly dying.”

It’s here - the big change.

Long, boring, endless hours on planes.

I am from “I will never be okay.”

A world full of amazement and it was taken away.

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I am from experiencing an international journey.

From a place that is no longer The Empire State or New Jersey.

To the Lion CIty, with tall, glassy buildings and elegant, classy malls,

Roofs designed for kings and queens, this city has it all!

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I am from hazy days, thunderous rainfalls and ocean tides

To screaming on fast, twisting roller coaster rides.

I am from a new place that I will soon learn to adore.

From an exquisite place called Singapore.

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Where I am From

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-Veronica Gonzalez

I’m from trying to make the most of my time

And “Why can’t you just read instead?”

I’m from Steamed rice and homemade fried chicken

“Take your feet of that chair, other people are here!”

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I’m from a community of people

Building hype from one small thing to another

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I’m from speaking in english to

Communicating with characters

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I’m from Worshipping the broncos

To Treating others the way I’d like to be treated

I’m from living in one place my whole life

I am really going to see snow this year?

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I’m from giving presents

And receiving appreciation

I’m from my own country

My own identity

Because I am myself

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Zach Kelly

I’m from natural Asian white rice with seasoning,

From שלום to 对牛谈情

I am from the multi rainbow coloured lego,

From staying away from trouble and fights

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I’m from soft and Puffy snow for snowboarding,

I’m from the great cold lake, Lake chateaugay,

I’m from Batman to Harry Potter

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From my dark black jacket, and my computer

I’m from sit up straight, turn off your computers, and did you do your homework?

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From a climbing huge boulders

I’m from blood red and pitch black

From grand slams with home runs

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I’m from an Ipad mini to a MacBook Air

From the chinese international school, to the singapore american school

I’m from the Olofmeister to F0rest

I’m from the Midnight Sonata and train heading west�From eat your vegetables, wash your hands, and brush your teeth

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I’m from Giving opportunities and second chances,

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Nate Shuster

I’m from torn-apart basketball shoes and sharpened pencils

From trying to create a life with the given utensils

I’m from ‘WHY AREN'T YOU GETTING THIS?!’

Living a life filled with misconceptions

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I’m from ‘Do what you should and stop being sinister’

‘Your sister did this too, mister’

I’m from unknown surroundings and trying to be taught

‘Keep your head, you shouldn’t be distraught’

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I’m from a 30 yard scorcher at Stamford Bridge

I keep trying to get my foot out of this sharp ditch

I’m from being quiet and sitting on my seat

Couldn’t they at least be something of a feat?

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I’m from trying to keep my mouth shut

Not letting anyone enter my gut

I’ve tried to fight

All it does is create strife

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I’m from that killer instinct in the 4th

An assassin with a fork

I’m from my Dad screaming

My eyes dreary and begging for land

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I’m from the friends which help me in every way

Inspiring me to pull myself out off dismay

Neel Dutta Gupta

I’m from wet cheeks to greedy smiles.

I’m from innocent faces to evil masks, “Why would you lie to me?” she would say.

I’m from looking pretty to playing pretend.

I’m from speaking my mind’s language to shut mouths. You want to know what will happen if you say something?

I’m from clueless minds to unanswered questions, “Does anyone know the answer..?”.

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I’m from repetitive demands to long speeches disappearing like a fox in the hidden forest--Are you listening?!

I’m from red marks on papers to long sighs and long words like beatings.

I’m from gnarly, fake ‘friends’ to fights that’s soul turns to dust

I’m from careless laughing to boundaries broken down, once high

Natacia Roach

From diapers and baby cribs to country music and dry rub ribs.

I’m from get down and dirty cowboy boots and the radiant summer sun,

To me running around in an open field with some friends sounds like fun.

Blitzing, crossovers, cutting and 3 pointers I've done it all

And just because you own a plaid shirt, boots and a cowboy hat ain't mean nothing at all.I’m from big trucks with 4 foot tires, and the land of country music alongside bonfires.

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There are also a lot of horses from where I come from,

But some of them are big V8s under a hood.

All though I only lived there for 10 years,

It will still forever be apart of my childhood.

In the land of Friday Night Lights and turf war gang fights,

But we are all united when we say “Los Spurs!” and “Go Cowboys”

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I was brought up to remember to remember the Alamo,

But I will always remember the Puffy Taco.

I’m from belt buckles and sack races to looking around and seeing so many races.I’m from the land of ain’t and y’all, and the way we say it is with a country drawl. I’m from the lone star and that’s no debate.

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I’m from hay bales and the hot summer heat beating down on my neck.

I’m from hand grenades and horse shoes.

I’m from riding on horse and herding cattle

I’m from driving around in my truck and to the gun store by shotguns

for my young boys to learn to shoot.

I’m from Heinz baked beans in cast iron pan.

I’m from Texas dry rub ribs on the barbecue.

I’m from growing crops and selling them in the farmers market.

I’m from belt buckles and spurs on my boots.

I’m from howdy y’all and square dancing.

I’m from coming back from work to grandma’s apple pie.

I’m from chopping down apple trees with my axe.

I’m from crazy rodeos and stand offs.

I’m from banjos and the burritos.

I’m from Buffalo wings and barbecue sauce.

I’m from talking with a southern twang and barbecue stains on my shirt.

I’m from plaid shirts and bolo ties.

I’m from a middle class family.

I’m from the Lone Star State.

I’m from the Houston Texans and the Houston Astros.