WHERE I'M FROM - A POEM

#midlife blog crestingthehill.com.au

MY VERSION OF THE "WHERE I'M FROM" POEM

I wrote this post a year or so ago after I read the poem by George Ella Lyon titled "Where I'm From" and then found that it had been used as inspiration for a writing exercise. 

It's Australia Day on January 26th and I thought the poem I wrote reflected life in Australia and what it was like growing up in the sunburnt country Down Under.

So, after a bit of trial and error, this is my version of 

WHERE I'M FROM

#midlife blog crestingthehill.com.au

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

Family is a strange phenomenon - I was amazed at the little memories that popped up and also the struggle with trying to find the words to say it succinctly. I'd love to read other people's versions of this poem so if you end up trying your hand at an ode to your childhood, please tag me in so I can see how you tackled it.

When I first wrote this, a few other bloggers said they saw a lot of similarities in their childhoods - even though they lived on the other side of the world. I guess our big, wide world isn't all that big after all.



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27 comments

  1. Oh wow! Yes it almost describes my childhood as well. I love this poem Leanne and it really is relevant being Australia Day tomorrow.

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    1. It's really about what it was like to grow up in Australia isn't it Kathy? The funny thing is that one of my US blogging buddies (Rena) said she could see a lot of her childhood in it too.

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  2. This has inspired me to do the same, Leanne! Nice post!
    https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/

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    1. I'll be checking your blog out Mary Lou to see if you actually get around to doing it :)

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  3. No I am taking your lead and writing my own poem. And, depending on how it turns out, framing it and giving it to my dad for his 85th

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    1. Oh Carla that sounds fantastic! You'll have to put it up on your blog too so we can all enjoy it :) The guidelines really help pull it together into something coherent and "poetic" x

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  4. Beautiful piece. I've done this before and it's always such a moving and emotional experience. I could feel your life and your childhood through your words.

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    1. Thanks so much Andrea - I think it's something everyone should have a go at because it's such fun once you get started and it brings those old memories back - the good ones (not the ones we'd like to let go of!) And thanks so much for the feature on Midlife Boulevard again - love it when you choose me :) x

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  5. I love this Leanne. I went over and checked it out afterward. I might try it. It looks like a lot of fun.

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    1. I remember when I posted this a year or so ago you said it had lots of elements of your childhood in it too Rena - I hope it gave you a smile (and thanks for still being around to read it again!) x

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  6. Absolutely love this, Leanne! Lots of differences, but the similarities are astounding. Mostly in the 'feel' of your childhood. I wish that everyone could experience these days!

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    1. It was such a great time to be a child wasn't it Diane? I think that's why the stories on your blog always bring a smile of nostalgia to people x

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  7. I could picture it all so well!
    So much of that was my past as well (although I didn't have to go to Sunday school).
    #TeamLovinLife

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    1. I think my parents sent us so they could sleep in on Sunday mornings and have some peace and quiet - I don't think it was for the religious benefit - although it would have been a bonus I'm sure.

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  8. A lot of us can relate to this post. May have to try it myself. Happy Australia Day! Thank you for sharing this post at the Wednesday AIM Link Party. I shared it on my social media sites.

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    1. I think you should give it a go Dee - you might find you have a poetic soul in there :)

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  9. I love this poem. What a great idea. I used to write a lot of poetry but somehow let it go by the wayside. This tempts me back into the waters...

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    1. I've tried my hand at a bit of poetry too but this was a lot better because it gave me some guidelines to follow.

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  10. A nice job Leanne. Very descriptive. I have never tried my hand at poetry, I thing I should leave that to you.

    Kathleen
    Bloggers Pit Stop

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    1. It was a bit of a one off for me Kathleen - my previous attempts wouldn't be published anywhere!

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  11. This is beautiful. Inspires me to think about my past too.

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    1. Thanks Pamela - it was fun to look back at the little memories rather than the bigger ones that often had hurt or disappointment attached to them.

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  12. I love the part about the children being seen, not heard, and left to run wild. That definitely sums up my childhood. Lovely poem.

    Ken,

    Blogger's pit stop

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    1. Thanks Kenneth - it was fairly indicative of my time and childhood and something that has been gradually lost over the last few generations of over indulged parenting.

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  13. I love this Leanne and will definitely try my hand at writing my own poem.

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.