language arts bio poem

A fun type of poetry called a "I am from..." (0r a bio poem) is a great way to connect students thinking about poetry and how it can connect with their lives. Bio poems can go any direction the students want-- from talking about their interests and hobbies, to thinking about memories or people in their lives. I wrote this one in language arts class today as I thought about my own "I am from" poem...

I am from the homeschooling years.
From sheltered stability,
mornings with my mom and sister,
and afternoons in the backyard fort.

I am from the worry-free cul de sac,
with big wheel races, skits and plays
and weekend sleepovers.

I am from a changing family.
"You'll adjust," "Meet your new siblings,"
and every-other-week suitcases.
New school, new friends,
and new first impressions.

Still from the same mom,
with the same sheltered stability.

I am from crisp fall nights,
filled with warm soups
and spiced candles.

I am from douglas firs,
Christmas on the piano,
pumpkin pies,
Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

I am from raising ducklings in the rainy spring,
to motorhome trips in the warm, dry summers

I am from kissing posters of JTT,
playing N'Sync on repeat,
and making videos with Tiffany
of our amazing dance moves.

I am from tradition and love,
defined non-traditionally.
I am still from,
"you'll adjust," "keep your head up,"
and "start your own path."

From these things is where I'll go.
Still missing mom's sheltered stability,
and our cozy fall evenings.