11 June 2006

A Where-I-am-from contest!

I've been thinking about the hundred different ways to write a Where I am From poem since I posted mine here last month (or it's re-posted in its entirety in the first comment on this post.)
Now there's a contest that you can enter by clicking here. Check out all the info, then write your entry, and if you don't mind, post a link to your poem in the comments here, too. And if you aren't going to enter the contest, just consider using this poem as a spiritual exercise of awareness.
It's a great thing to realize that wherever you're from, God's been there, is there and will be there, too!
Edit:
I'm reposting this here to qualify for the contest. Sorry to be repetitive...
I am from rolling farmland thick with the scent of fresh black earth, heavy with the humidity of summer trapped in the cornfields, lit with the light of Orion's belt and the haze of the Milky Way.
I am from the fishing hill and walks to the creek, the paper tree and new kittens hidden in hay, a treehouse and dancing to Madonna's oldest songs.
I am from brick buildings and ivy, tall oaks and lilacs, leaf-catching and sorority serenades.
I am from yards of peonies, tulips, irises, roses, daylilies, a crocus bow, lilacs and moonflowers, spring beauties in April, and fire-red maples in the Fall.
I am from Main Street picnics, patriotic parades, whiffle ball games, bocce ball and jump-rope in the basement, manger sets and New Year's sleep-overs, conversations and tea around the kitchen table.
I am from division and reconciliation, fear and forgiveness, longing and love.
I am from conversations in the candlelight, confessions at camp, and calling in the mountains.
I am from regret and redemption, naivete and knowledge, faltering and faith.
I am from long-houred returns, gleeful giggles, complex scenarios and common dreams.
I am from thick glasses and a shaved head, shy smiles and bold suggestions, giddy acceptance, ever-deepening respect, and overwhelming desire.
I am from whispered prayers and fervent hopes, newborn cries and soft skin, sparkling eyes and peals of laughter.
I am from my quiet Guide, my prescient Listener, my dawning Assurance, the Gifter of all that I am, all that I have been, and all that I will ever wish to be.

3 comments:

April said...

Where I am From
I am from rolling farmland thick with the scent of fresh black earth, heavy with the humidity of summer trapped in the cornfields, lit with the light of Orion's belt and the haze of the Milky Way.

I am from the fishing hill and walks to the creek, the paper tree and new kittens hidden in hay, a treehouse and dancing to Madonna's oldest songs.

I am from brick buildings and ivy, tall oaks and lilacs, leaf-catching and sorority serenades.

I am from yards of peonies, tulips, irises, roses, daylilies, a crocus bow, lilacs and moonflowers, spring beauties in April, and fire-red maples in the Fall.

I am from Main Street picnics, patriotic parades, whiffle ball games, bocce ball and jump-rope in the basement, manger sets and New Year's sleep-overs, conversations and tea around the kitchen table.

I am from division and reconciliation, fear and forgiveness, longing and love.

I am from conversations in the candlelight, confessions at camp, and calling in the mountains.

I am from regret and redemption, naivete and knowledge, faltering and faith.

I am from long-houred returns, gleeful giggles, complex scenarios and common dreams.

I am from thick glasses and a shaved head, shy smiles and bold suggestions, giddy acceptance, ever-deepening respect, and overwhelming desire.

I am from whispered prayers and fervent hopes, newborn cries and soft skin, sparkling eyes and peals of laughter.

I am from my quiet Guide, my prescient Listener, my dawning Assurance, the Gifter of all that I am, all that I have been, and all that I will ever wish to be.

Anonymous said...

This is WONDERFUL! I love it. It sure gives me a picture of who you are.

Please, for the contest, post this on an actual pooem on your blog, and then put a note at the end about the contest to mine . . . ok? :) THANK YOU! :)

Loni

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

April, You've painted a beautiful picture of His glorious ways in your life!
Simply luminous poetry....

Write on!

Warmly,
Ann V