I am from…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m focusing on my book to honor Copper, our senior puppy who received angel wings in March, while also trying to visit you. This has been my mindset for the week, but I’m pulling my hair out because of glitches.
Third time’s a charm, they say, and Life is NOT about throwing in the towel!

Anyway, one of the posts I had the pleasure of visiting was Vicki’s, and it truly intrigued me. Please pop over to her lovely sight for inspiration and enlightenment: https://victoriaponders.com/2025/04/28/echoes/. She was originally inspired by Lori’s post: https://loripohlmanwriter.com/2025/04/25/polished-maple-tables/ in which I also visited, feeling the same rush of inspiration. They both spotlighted the following poem and the concept of writing our own version:

Where I’m From
By George Ella Lyon

I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening
it tasted like beets.)
I am from the forsythia bush,
the Dutch elm
whose long gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.
I am from fudge and eyeglasses,
from Imogene and Alafair.
I’m from the know-it
-alls
and the pass
-it
-ons,
from perk up and pipe down.
I’m from He restoreth my soul
with cottonball lamb
and ten verses I can say myself.
I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch,
fried corn and strong coffee.
From the finger my grandfather lost
to the auger
the eye my father shut to keep his sight.
Under my bed was a dress box
spilling old pictures.
a sift of lost faces
to drift beneath my dreams.
I am from those moments —
snapped before I budded —
leaf-fall from the family tree

To read more information and for helpful tools in writing your poem, please visit Vicki and Lori’s wonderful posts. And now, I offer you my version. I didn’t use Lori’s template, but I ran with the concept. Thoughts appeared one after the other, so mine is a bit lengthy, but I don’t feel like cutting anything out just yet. Subtle rhymes also slid their way in, and I’m unsure if they were supposed to. Nonetheless…

I am from

I am from my mom’s emotions
that had a mind of their own
so wild at times emulating a summer storm
I am from my dad’s humor
where smiles bloomed
but his temper too in my less patient moods

I am from flower petals I did not plant
Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green
yet the petals’ beauty is always seen
I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown),
vanilla, baking powder and soda,
and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case,
and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways

I am from the moon in her mystery
The sun in his radiance
The lake in its serenity

I am from the well-liked and the shunned
the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders
the redwoods standing tall
I am from planned and spontaneity
clarity and ambiguity

I am from the Big Bear cabin on the corner
from laps and splashes in Orange County pools
I am from “When you have children, you’ll understand”
I am from two sanctuaries for finding God
to discovering faith near mountains and sand

I am from me
unique, quirky, strong, kind,
a used-to-be people-pleaser
the third of three daughters
I am from knowledge still pouring in
like a flood of surging waters
I am from gratitude for every little blessing
from those I love, from being loved
I am.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase your
copy through Amazon. 💜

Thank you for taking the time to visit. I wish you a Marvelous May,
and a wonderful weekend. ❤️

112 thoughts on “I am from…”

  6. Lauren…so much to love in your poem. I feel like I just got a peek into your heart in brand new ways. Grateful to you for your friendship…in awe of your artistry with words. Much love! 🥰

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Vicki. This poem was fun to write, so I appreciate your inspiration. I also feel like there are many versions (for all of us) waiting to be penned. Mine was long enough, but I could’ve continued. 🙂 And ditto to all you said! Love and hugs to you! 💞

      Reply

      1. I think you’re right! That’s what makes it one of my favorite reflective exercises…it needn’t be a “one and done”. A free write like this always surprises me — with what comes to the surface. Xo and happy weekend! 🥰❤️🥰

  7. What a wonderful jumping off point. The first poem was breathtaking- and I can see how it inspired you girls to follow in its footsteps. I just may do so myself.
    I loved your version, Lauren. so full of gratitude’s and familiars I can absolutely relate to.

    Reply

    1. I agree about the first poem, Violet, and Vicki and Lori’s are just as breathtaking. I hope you’ll try it too, and thank you for your kind words about my version. It was fun to write, to contemplate, and to remember. I’m glad you found it resonating also. 💞

      Reply

  9. I like the I am from theme for a poem and both here were outstanding
    Also, I am just learning about Copper and sending my condolences.
    We lost Cody in April of 2016 – it was a sudden shock because he was a super healthy pup and then had a rough weekend and died on. Sunday – he was 14 = but never had any issues. The other pup, Steve, our black lab, on the other hand had a tumor removed and had so many issues – so if we expected anyone to pass, it would have been him – but he outlived Cody by two+ years.
    Anyhow, the book project sounds like a very special one. Best wishes!
    I am finishing up a book and just getting ready to start an anthology that had to get put on hold since last year (and an email will be coming your way to see if you are interested in joining – and no worries if it is a bad time)
    anyhow, enjoyed your post here

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words about the poems, Yvette, and for your condolences. I appreciate you sharing about your dogs too. You just never know. Copper was 14 1/2, so it wasn’t unexpected that his time would come any day. And yet, when that day came, it felt unexpected and shocking to our hearts. Thanks also for your good wishes about the book. I hope the glitches resolve themselves. And that’s exciting about your new anthology. I’ll watch for your email, curious to know what it’s all about. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and have a good weekend! 💞

      Reply

  10. Wp has been acting up lately and making it hard to comment!
    I love your version, my dearest Lauren, especially the “I am” ending.
    Love and hugs and I look forward to your Copper book. xoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. It seems those glitches are multiplying, Marina! 🙂 Thanks for persevering because I always love to read your feedback. I’m glad you loved my version. Not sure if it fits the bill, but it’s what came to be. And your support for my Copper book means a lot too. Much love and hugs to you, dear friend. ❤️🌷💫💞

      Reply

      1. Yes, they are indeed multiplying!
        I love the “what came to be” and I know it fit my emotional bill! I know exactly what your Copper book means and I can’t tell you how close it feels to me. I miss him too.
        More love and hugs your way! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  15. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    One gets an excellent sense of a person after reading a Where I’m From poem. We’re all a product of our environments. Sometimes we model the good behaviors we’ve learned as well as the negative ones. Hopefully, we also learn lessons that we don’t want to repeat by setting a good example for our children.

    Reply

    1. Aww, thanks for your wonderful words, Selma. It’s nice to see you and I’m glad you enjoyed my version. Like I mentioned to Vicki, I think all of us would have many versions to write, so I’ll probably try another one. Have a good weekend. 💞

      Reply

  17. I love these, they say so much after reading them through, about who a person is. by the way, I finally received my copy of Cora and loved it and will be writing a review next week and will post it as well ❤

    Reply

    1. Wow, Beth, you made my day, so thanks on all counts! I’m glad you loved the poems, and I’m thrilled that you loved Cora’s Quest. Can’t wait to read your thoughts. Thanks again, and have a good weekend. 💞

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Anneli. This was definitely different but fun. And Vicki and I agree that all of us would probably have many versions. So, I’ll most likely try it again, maybe with Lori’s template. A challenge is always good for the brain. 🥰

      Reply

  21. Hi Lauren ❤️
    I adore your “I am from” poem.
    It really is lovely !
    Sorry to hear about the glitches 🙄 step away from the PC my friend.
    You will get there xo
    Big hugs and much love 🥰🙏🥰
    Have a great weekend.xo

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Maggie. I’m glad you loved my poem. I’d like to try it again but with Lori’s template. I always appreciate your lovely words, my friend. And I took your advice yesterday, but now I’m back on and will try again. Fingers crossed. 🙂 Big hugs and lots of love to you, and wishing you a fabulous holiday! xoxoxo ❤️🌷

      Reply

      1. I saw what Vicki wrote, and I loved hers as well.
        It is always a pleasure to read you Lauren 🤗
        I will keep my fingers crossed, because I know how much this book means to you 🙏
        Big hugs and much love back to you dear friend.
        Thank you xoxo a new adventure awaits ✈️🌍💙

  23. Lauren, your poem is delightful, and every line is relatable. I especially love these lines

    I am from the moon in her mystery
    The sun in his radiance
    The lake in its serenity

    Hugs! 🌼

    Reply

  24. This is beautiful, Lauren! I haven’t kept up with blogs in the last month due to volunteering on an election campaign. This post was a lovely and inspiring welcome back. Thank you… suddenly spring here with summer temperatures today. I hope you enjoy the weekend! ☀️

    Reply

    1. It’s great to see you, Steve, but I understand your volunteering commitment. I think it’s wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed this version of mine, and I appreciate your kind words. Funny, our weather is more winter-like today. Actually, it’s been really nice during the week for work, and then on the weekends for play, it’s cloudy, windy, and dreary. Oh well, we still enjoy our days off. 🙂 Have a great weekend, and thanks again! 🤗

      Reply

    1. Aww, thanks so much, Michele! Your lovely words mean a lot since you’re a fabulous poet! I’m going to try this again using Lori’s template. As I told Vicki, I’m sure all of us would have many versions. Thanks again, and have a great weekend! 🤗💞🌞

      Reply

  26. I am from the opinion that your poem is better than the inspiration one. Although I like that one, too!

    I guess I’m fussy about the poetry and poets I love to read, which makes sense due to time constarints.

    Love your rendition, Lauren, and yes, no towel throwing —- in!

    Deep breath

    Hug a tree

    Glitch becomes

    More poetry!

    Egads I’m good at drivelling doggerel.

    HUGS! xoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Oh, Resa, you are really too kind to me. My poem can’t compare to Lyon’s but I thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️ I told Vicki that I’m sure more versions are waiting to be written by all of us because this one poem isn’t all of me. There’s more to add, so I’m going to try again soon but maybe use Lori’s template. It was fun! And I LOVE your words:

      Deep breath

      Hug a tree

      Glitch becomes

      More poetry!

      You always make me smile, and I’m so glad you’re in my corner. 🥰🙏

      And Cheers to drivelling doggerel! 🎉👏🏼💫

      Hugs to you for a happy Sunday! xoxo 💝🌷

      Reply

      1. Lol, you make me happy, Lauren!

        It’s nice to know the energy/support I give is felt, and likewise returned from you to me.
        Seriously, I like your poem better.
        So there!
        xoxo🌸🍒xoxo

  28. How exquisite, Lauren. Don’t change a word. Lyon’s poem was the perfect inspiration (how moving and delightful) and your version made me smile the whole way through. Though I don’t know you well, I could see “you” in your words – a reflection of your being. Just lovely, my friend.

    Reply

    1. What a lovely comment, Diana. Thank you! I appreciate your wonderful words coming from such a great poet and writer. 🙏 This was fun, but I want to try again using Lori’s template. I know more versions wait to be written by anyone who tries this form because this poem alone isn’t all of me. Thanks again, and have a peaceful Sunday. Don’t watch too much of the news. 🙂 Enjoy your great outdoors! 💞🌷

      Reply

  29. You’re so right: life’s definitely not about tossing in the towel, it’s about turning the towel into something useful, like a cape or a canvas. Keep going, you’re doing beautifully. Wishing you a peaceful, inspired May ahead.

    Reply

  30. Wonderful Lauren, I am so pleased you are concentrating on your book.. And what a lovely share thank you for the links and the poetry.. I love your own version of I am from and these words jumped out to speak to me

    I am from the moon in her mysteryThe sun in his radianceThe lake in its serenity

    Have a very peaceful Sunday Lauren, and May the Sun and Moon continue to shine their radiance upon you as you sit via the Lake xx ❤ Much love my friend xx ❤

    Reply

    1. Hi Sue, thanks so much for your beautiful comment and encouragement. Those lines have been popular among my readers. 🙂 They came easily while writing the poem. Hope all is well with you, and wishing you the same, dear friend. Hugs and love and light coming your way. xoxoxox ❤️💫🌷

      Reply

  34. What a beautiful poem you wrote, Lauren! I loved so many lines and also the rhythm. Your last stanza was so strong and leaves a lasting impression. Such fun to read your work! Also, your mention of Big Bear surprised me, because I lived in the San Bernardino Mountains for many years, and that area is very close to my heart. I will be there in a few weeks for a visit! Be well, and thank you for writing and sharing your wonderful poem.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for stopping by to read, Lori, and for your beautiful comment. Your wonderful poem provided inspiration, and I’m so glad you loved my version too. Ahh, Big Bear and the San Bernardino Mountains are part of mine and my husband’s early years. Great memories! I’m glad you could relate. I also plan to write another version of this poem because I feel all writers would have more than one. This poem alone isn’t all me. But I’m going to try your template next time. Thanks again! 💕

      Reply

  38. Pingback: Giving poetry a chance: I Am From – Writing from the Heart with Brian

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