Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I am From...


I am from a place
A most interesting place
On the Southside of town
SWATS
Ben Hill
College Park
And a few places in between.

I am from a time when we were afraid to walk the streets.
Terrified that “the man” was gonna get us
That the man was gonna reach out from wherever he stood
And snatch us
And kill us all.

I am from a family shattered and fractured like shards of broken glass
Broken, smashed, busted into too many pieces to count
A family so dysfunctional that God shakes His head
And looks over at Jesus and wonders aloud,
Could they every put this thing back together again?

I am from string wrapped and wound tight into balls
String woven together with shiny hooked needles into something warm and soft…
I am from string crocheted into something to cherish…
Blended into something that will last forever
Gifts that lasts a lifetime.

I am from wet ink
That flows from a pen that careens freely across this page
Freeing words that have been closed up in my heart for far too long
Words that spill freely from my heart
When allowed to break free, that is.

That’s where I’m from…


From Women of Color Writers Workshop, June 2012.

5 minute writing prompt: Write a story or poem that begins with the phrase “I am from”


I liked this one. It allowed me to write about things I love and things that have bothered me.

9 comments:

  1. Woo chile. You have me wanting to go somewhere and write instead of work. LOL.

    I loved this stanza because I can relate:

    I am from wet ink
    That flows from a pen that careens freely across this page
    Freeing words that have been closed up in my heart for far too long
    Words that spill freely from my heart
    When allowed to break free, that is.

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    Replies
    1. Glad you like, Shai. I was looking through some old writing and found that piece from last summer's workshop. I had forgotten all about it.

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  2. Anonymous3:36:00 PM

    I'm with Shai on this one Dubble-L! I did in fact squeeze out a piece earlier, but I've got this unfinished piece that's calling out from some affection. I think I know what's on tap for this evening.

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    Replies
    1. Now you know you write some hot buttered layered stuff, honey! You know I will be over there stalking you out! Waiting for that!

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  3. Yes, I knew you would like it... You come out of Lurk City for stories and poems, lol. I always think of you when I post those!

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  4. WOW
    this is beautiful but this has to be my favorite line: I am from string crocheted into something to cherish…<---yes you are indeed cherished.

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    Replies
    1. You would zone in on the crochet wouldn't you, Mama? LoL. Glad you like.

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  5. Nice, very nice.......

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Slap the *crickets* out the way, kindly step up to the mike, and SAY something!!