“I am from,” listing all the places, the people, the common expressions, the foods, and all the things unique to you.

Write out all this poem brings to mind for you starting with the line “I am from,” listing all the places, the people, the common expressions, the foods, and all the things unique to you. Think of the sights, sounds, smells, touches, and tastes that are all part of your childhood, from your earliest memories to today, and describe as many as you can. Or, simply borrow any line, letting the line lead your thinking and writing.

Mentor Text Your Quick Write I am From… By Ella G. (Source: The Quickwrite Handbook, Rief) I am from the street where chain link fences are broken and bent, And music blares from stereos inside windows and doors, Houses slouch against each other, tired after long years in the city, Cigarette butts still smoking on the sidewalk. I am from the graffiti, the broken glass, Skipping over its shiny shards, in my new white shoes, Tiptoeing on the curb like a tightrope walker, Arms outstretched, with nowhere to fall. I am from the house with three floors, With pipes still echoing with the clangs of Nona’s spoon, Calling us to dinner, so many years ago. Some days, you can almost smell her food cooking. lam from the smell of new paint, the cottony rollers, Fresh flowers in the kitchen, thick gelato, Dripping down my chin, my spoon forgotten. Maybe we can watch the Sox play before bedtime. I am from the old radiator, the bagpipes singing by our house, Candles burning and car horns honking, Curled up on the couch with my parents, watching Big Papi hit ’em home. lam from Boston.