This poem describes the speaker's upbringing through references to family traditions, core values, and formative experiences. The speaker shares that they come from a loving family environment characterized by support, Sunday family days, and football games. References to collard greens, pecan pie, and ice cream shops also provide details about the speaker's cultural background and community. Overall, the poem paints a picture of an upbringing centered around family, faith, and community.

1. Where I’m From
By: Hannah Harrison

2. I am from thick cut ham,
collard greens from
Granddaddy’s garden, and
homemade pecan pie

3. "Be the best
person you
can be” and
“we will
love you
no matter
what" are
words to live
by

4. I am from
giving and
receiving
endless
love and
support

5. I am from getting nails done
with mom and long talks
about boys, friends, and
faith

6. And watching movies with
dad-
“Do we really have to watch
Forrest Gump for the 87th
time?”

7. I am from being
nine years old and
finally getting the
baby brother I
always wanted

8. “You’re
not my
mom” and
“leave me
alone” are
words I have
heard often

9. Where I’m
from, Saturday
is family day

10. Traveling from
the cool, green,
grass at the rec
football field,
to the air
conditioned,
sugary, sweet
smelling ice
cream shop
down the road

11. I am from
saying
"yes
ma'am"
and "no
sir" with
no
questions
asked

12. cheering
I am from
my heart out on
the football field every
Friday night

13. Even when it was 4th and long
and we were down by 25

14. I am from having fun with friends on
Saturday nights

15. Sitting around the bonfire
talking, laughing, making memories
to last a lifetime

16. I am from not
caring that I
have to be up
at 8 AM for
Church or
that my hair
will smell smoky
and burnt for a
week

17. I am from
a mom who
has shown
me what it
looks like
to be a
selfless,
loving
person

18. Because of her “where I’m
from” became who I want to be