Horrible day...but this is what keeps me going.

I asked my students to write an identity poem, modeled after George Lyon's "Where I'm From." Here are some of the fantastic ones.

"Where I'm From" by J.B.
I am from Mexico,
From the proud and rough land.
I am from the people who never give up,
And from the people who work hard everyday.
(proud, hardworking, each one proud and happy
Of the country and where they came from.)
I am from the strong and green land,
Where the air smells sweet and makes your
Soul fly freely all through out the sky.

I’m from the sweet tasting corm, and the hot spicy tamales.
I’m from the playful and troublemaking kids,
From the traditional and beautiful songs of a
Wonderful land from which I came from.

I’m from Chihuahua and from the beautiful,
Colorful tradition, and from the land that
Keeps you warn and feeling happy.
I’m from the land, from which the great hills,
And mountains are made.
I’m from the great land that is Mexico,
The land that I will never forget, and the land
From which I get my strength from,
The land that burns deep into my soul, and the land…
From which I came from.

"Untitled" by D.G.
I am from the
Quiet during the day
And noisy at night
I am from no one carries change
But everyone carries a light.
I am from sand on my shoes
From the park down the street.
I am from sizzlin’ links, baked chicken
And other types of meat.
I’m from “boys get up it’s 7 o’clock”
And getting dressed, and wearing socks.
I’m from block parties every Sunday
From school since 8:30, where
There’s all work and no play.
I’m from chillin at the kiest
And walking t’Ds and having a feast.
I’mf rom sneaking out real late
And waking up the same.
I’mf rom leaving red bird skate
And going home playing the game.
I’m from bumpy streets so
You really can’t drift.
But most of all I’m from Oakcliff.

"Where I'm From" by Y.S.
I am from Shreveport
From loud music and boring summers
I am from the crowds on the boardwalk
(The smell of crawfish, budan, and gumbo)
I am from casinos and loud talking
The smell of cigarettes or cigars
As if I was there today.

I from my grandma’s home-made
Corn bread, pork chops, and green beans
I am from the smart kids the quiet kids
And the true gangstas
I am from “Gurl stop hitting that boy” and
“Yar come here.”

I am from Dallas, TX
Hot summers and cold winters
With prostitutes sitting on the corner
I am like a fly on the wall
I sit there, observe and move along.

I’m my room is a journal
In it I keep my thoughts
A log of personal memories and dreams
I couldn’t let go of.
I am from the moments
Rise before I shine
Like a star without a light.