I am From
I am from dinner tables, but no elbows on it, of course
“Please” and “Thank You’s”
I am from thin fog, two stories up
And a flight of concrete stairs, but not always the same.
I am from late nights on the Wii, and early mornings at school
And disappointing afternoon calls home.
I am from Sundays at church,
Mondays with family, but a different one depending on the week.
I am from squinting at the sun,
The whiteboard,
And books. Many, many books.
I am from friends who come and go,
Assembled from the pieces of them I keep with me.
I am from my memories of joy,
Fun, and time well spent with my siblings.
I am from competing and comparing, trying to finish on top.
I am from basketball courts, their torn nets,
And pretending I was the greatest.
I am from places which don’t seem too special,
Except in my memory.
Uplifting songs and sounds everywhere you go,
Like Katy Perry in the store,
Taylor Swift in the car,
But everything looks so sad now,
Even with my glasses on.
I am from second chances and new opportunities,
And building upon the new horizon I run towards,
Early Saturday mornings,
Which seemingly couldn’t be reached.
Which people thought I couldn’t accomplish,
But with enough time running until my legs give out,
And sitting, staring, dreading homework until my focus runs out
I pace myself to finish, knowing it’s all worth it.
I am from the new day,
And dreaming about what lies ahead.
I am from realizing that it’s not always what I’m from,
But what I’m for.
Richard Hsia
272 words
Wow. From the beginning to the end of this poem I was genuinely in awe. It’s actually hard for me to pinpoint what to comment on on this poem because every part of it is worth acknowledging. Each stanza is very positive and lively at first, but transitions into a darker and somewhat more sad perspective. I thought that was such a good choice that it can also symbolize the transition from being a child to becoming a teenager. I also wanted to say how I really like the ending for the poem, the idea that it’s not about what you’re from, but rather what you’re for. This is incredible, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteRichard, your poem was simple yet impactful. I loved how you would focus on little things that represented your childhood, and how it has a greater meaning to you. I also thought that the ending of your poem really led up to how you said it's what you are for. I enjoyed reading your poem, great job.
ReplyDelete