Modeling the "I am" poem for Thursday's poetry lesson.
I am from warm sand and cool seas and sunburns and bright blue skies. I am from hot winds that blow for days and Earth that shakes under your feet and flowers that bloom all year round.
I am from the Santa Monica pier and the Venice Beach boardwalk and bonfires at La Jolla Shores.
I am from a crazy grandmother, an absent father and a fierce mother whose love I never doubted.
I am from alcoholism, mental illness and domestic violence. I am also from pulling myself up by bootstraps and overcoming.
I am from Head Start and a love of books so deep and pure that it has shaped my entire life. I am from reading and writing and learning just because it is what I love to do.
I am from creating for myself the life I always wanted when I was a child. I am from being married for over 21 years, raising four amazing children and finding joy in the mundane and everyday.
I am from cooking a great meal and making your favorite dessert whenever you come to my home.
I am from holding my mother’s hand just before she took her last breath and from saying goodbye to my sister when she was only 41.
I am from never giving up on my dream of becoming a teacher and moving closer to my goals every day.
I am from trying to make the world a better place--in ways both big and small.
Lovely. And my favorite dessert is white cake with chocolate frosting...
Posted by: Nora | January 27, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I am impressed with your poem :)
Posted by: Julie | January 27, 2009 at 12:49 AM
I am glad to have found your blog.
I am thrilled to know a few more people personally via the impersonal vehicle of the internet.
Posted by: mandy | January 27, 2009 at 12:49 AM
You are....a really great person.
(and just for the record...I'm all about the strawberry cake!!)
Posted by: debbie | January 27, 2009 at 04:08 AM
What you are is awesome, my friend!
Posted by: blognut | January 27, 2009 at 06:38 AM
you could also say
'I am a beagle mama!'
Posted by: gary | January 27, 2009 at 06:46 AM
Okay, the sign of a good poem is one that moves me to tears...and yours did. You are strong and good woman, my friend.
Posted by: Mary Alice | January 27, 2009 at 06:54 AM
You are also one hell of a Wordsmith. I am always inspired by your strength and determination. Your personal "I Am" illustrates this beautifully.
Posted by: HIlary | January 27, 2009 at 07:04 AM
You are also a great blogger!
Posted by: Arli | January 27, 2009 at 08:22 AM
I love this. What an inspiration for your students.
Posted by: Little Miss Sunshine State | January 27, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Lovely. Just lovely.
Posted by: Amy the Mom | January 27, 2009 at 08:50 AM
You are...amazing.
Posted by: Smalltown Mom | January 27, 2009 at 10:27 AM
That was touching and beautiful!
Posted by: Heidi | January 27, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Very powerful.
Posted by: Fannie | January 27, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Well done!
Posted by: jenrantsraves | January 27, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I AM lucky to have read your inspiring poem!
That was very well written and you are a strong person! Gave me the goosebumps!
Posted by: Amy Amy Bo Bamey | January 27, 2009 at 12:14 PM
That was just beautiful.
Posted by: Baby Favorite | January 27, 2009 at 12:21 PM
That was just lovely.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | January 27, 2009 at 12:25 PM
With tears in my eyes, I have to say "flan."
Posted by: kcinnova | January 27, 2009 at 12:56 PM
What you are is amazing. I am always inspired by you, Jenn.
Posted by: green girl | January 27, 2009 at 02:58 PM
You are AMAZING!!!!
Love your sincerity and honesty...just great Jenn.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 27, 2009 at 04:46 PM
I think where you are is an incredible testament to your strength and heart.
Posted by: Kristen | January 27, 2009 at 05:51 PM
You are also helpful and kind. Beautiful poem, I love the honestly of it. It was very moving to read.
Posted by: imom | January 27, 2009 at 05:57 PM
That's lovely.
Posted by: magpie | January 27, 2009 at 09:55 PM
You are always coming up with something to write too.
Smiles!
Posted by: Angela | January 27, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Stunning. And so reflective of you. I see you at every line.
Posted by: JCK | January 27, 2009 at 11:57 PM