Introduction: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
First published in 1993, the poem”Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon utilizes distinct stylistic features to explore the concept of personal identity. The poem eschews a linear narrative, instead relying on a catalog of evocative images and sensory details. These details range from the mundane (clothespins, Clorox) to the familial (Imogene and Alafair) and create a rich tapestry of the speaker’s background. “Where I’m From” has transcended its original form to become a powerful writing prompt within the academic sphere, inspiring countless students to delve into their own experiences and construct their unique identities.
Text: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening
it tasted like beets.)
I am from the forsythia bush,
the Dutch elm
whose long gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.
I am from fudge and eyeglasses,
from Imogene and Alafair.
I’m from the know-it-alls
and the pass-it-ons,
from perk up and pipe down.
I’m from He restoreth my soul
with cottonball lamb
and ten verses I can say myself.
I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch,
fried corn and strong coffee.
From the finger my grandfather lost
to the auger
the eye my father shut to keep his sight.
Under my bed was a dress box
spilling old pictures.
a sift of lost faces
to drift beneath my dreams.
I am from those moments —
snapped before I budded —
leaf-fall from the family tree.
Annotations: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
| Line | Annotation |
| I am from clothespins, | The speaker begins by stating their origin, using everyday objects to describe their childhood and family. |
| from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride. | The speaker mentions household cleaning products, indicating a sense of familiarity and comfort with domestic life. |
| I am from the dirt under the back porch. | The speaker connects with the natural world and a specific place from their childhood. |
| (Black, glistening / it tasted like beets.) | The speaker recalls a sensory experience from their past, emphasizing the vividness of their memories. |
| I am from the forsythia bush, | The speaker mentions a specific plant, creating a sense of place and nostalgia. |
| the Dutch elm / whose long gone limbs I remember / as if they were my own. | The speaker recalls a tree from their childhood, using a sense of ownership to convey a deep connection. |
| I am from fudge and eyeglasses, | The speaker associates their family with sweet treats and corrective lenses, implying a sense of comfort and care. |
| from Imogene and Alafair. | The speaker mentions specific names, suggesting a strong connection to their family and heritage. |
| I’m from the know-it-alls / and the pass-it-ons, | The speaker humorously describes their family’s tendency to share knowledge and stories. |
| from perk up and pipe down. | The speaker recalls common phrases used in their household, implying a sense of familiarity and comfort. |
| I’m from He restoreth my soul / with cottonball lamb / and ten verses I can say myself. | The speaker references a religious text (Psalm 23), associating their family with faith and tradition. |
| I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch, | The speaker mentions specific names and places, creating a sense of family history and connection. |
| fried corn and strong coffee. | The speaker associates their family with comforting foods and drinks. |
| From the finger my grandfather lost / to the auger | The speaker recalls a specific family story or event, emphasizing their connection to their heritage. |
| the eye my father shut to keep his sight. | The speaker mentions a family member’s sacrifice, implying a sense of respect and admiration. |
| Under my bed was a dress box / spilling old pictures. | The speaker recalls a specific memory from their childhood, using sensory details to describe the experience. |
| a sift of lost faces / to drift beneath my dreams. | The speaker describes the fading of memories, using imagery to convey a sense of nostalgia. |
| I am from those moments — / snapped before I budded — | The speaker reflects on their childhood, using a botanical metaphor to describe their growth and development. |
| leaf-fall from the family tree. | The speaker uses a natural image to describe their connection to their family and heritage. |
Literary and Poetic Devices: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
| Literary/Poetic Device | Example from “Where I’m From” | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “fried corn and strong coffee” | The repetition of the “c” sound in “corn” and “coffee” creates an alliterative effect, emphasizing the sensory experience of the food and drink. |
| Assonance | “clothespins, Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride” | The repetition of the short “o” sound in “clothespins,” “Clorox,” and “carbon-tetrachloride” creates an assonance, adding rhythm and cohesion to the list of household items. |
| Consonance | “fudge and eyeglasses” | The repetition of the “d” sound in “fudge” and “eyeglasses” creates consonance, lending a musical quality to the description of familiar objects. |
| Enjambment | “I am from the forsythia bush, / the Dutch elm” | Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues onto the next line without a pause or punctuation. Here, it helps maintain the flow between the description of two different elements from the speaker’s past. |
| Hyperbole | “Under my bed was a dress box / spilling old pictures” | The exaggeration of the box “spilling” old pictures under the bed emphasizes the abundance of memories and artifacts from the speaker’s past. |
| Imagery | “the dirt under the back porch. / (Black, glistening / it tasted like beets.)” | The description appeals to the senses, painting a vivid picture of the dirt under the porch and its taste, creating a sensory experience for the reader. |
| Metaphor | “the eye my father shut to keep his sight” | The speaker’s father shutting his eye to preserve his sight is metaphorical, symbolizing sacrifice for the sake of preservation or protection. |
| Onomatopoeia | “perk up and pipe down” | The words “perk” and “pipe” mimic the sounds they represent, contributing to the vividness and expressiveness of the language. |
| Oxymoron | “lost faces” | The juxtaposition of “lost” and “faces” creates an oxymoron, suggesting a sense of absence or disappearance within the context of familiar images. |
| Personification | “Under my bed was a dress box / spilling old pictures” | By attributing the action of “spilling” to the dress box, it is personified, as if the box has human-like qualities of overflowing or abundance. |
| Repetition | “I am from…” | The repetition of the phrase “I am from” at the beginning of multiple lines reinforces the central theme of identity and origin throughout the poem. |
| Simile | “it tasted like beets” | The comparison of the taste of the dirt to beets using “like” creates a simile, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the sensory experience. |
| Symbolism | “the family tree” | The family tree is symbolic of the speaker’s ancestry and heritage, representing the interconnectedness of familial relationships and history. |
| Synecdoche | “the finger my grandfather lost / to the auger” | The “finger” represents the grandfather himself, using a part to symbolize the whole person. |
| Understatement | “whose long gone limbs I remember / as if they were my own” | By stating the memory of the tree’s limbs as if they were the speaker’s own, it understates the depth of the connection, implying a profound sense of belonging and identity with the tree. |
Themes: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
Identity:
- The poem delves into the speaker’s exploration of their personal identity, as they reflect on the various elements that have shaped who they are.
- Through the repetition of “I am from” followed by specific details, such as “clothespins” and “fudge,” the speaker highlights the diverse range of influences that contribute to their sense of self.
Memory and Nostalgia:
- Throughout the poem, there is a pervasive sense of memory and nostalgia, as the speaker reminisces about past experiences and familial connections.
- Imagery such as “the dirt under the back porch” and “spilling old pictures” evokes a longing for the past, transporting the reader back to the speaker’s childhood memories.
Family and Heritage:
- The theme of family and heritage emerges prominently in the poem as the speaker reflects on familial relationships and ancestral roots.
- References to relatives like “Imogene and Alafair” and “Artemus and Billie’s Branch” provide insight into the speaker’s familial lineage, emphasizing the importance of family in shaping identity.
Connection to Place:
- The poem explores the significance of physical surroundings in shaping the speaker’s sense of self, highlighting a strong connection to place.
- Descriptions of specific locations, such as “the dirt under the back porch” and “Artemus and Billie’s Branch,” evoke a sense of rootedness within a particular geographical context.
Literary Theories and “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
| Literary Theory | Description | Example from the Poem |
| Biographical Criticism | Analyzes the author’s life and experiences as they relate to the poem | “I am from clothespins, / from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride” – The speaker’s childhood experiences and memories are reflected in the poem. |
| Historical Criticism | Examines the social, political, and cultural context of the poem’s creation | “I’m from He restoreth my soul / with cottonball lamb / and ten verses I can say myself” – The reference to Psalm 23 and traditional religious imagery reflects the cultural and religious context of the speaker’s upbringing. |
| Feminist Criticism | Analyzes gender roles, power dynamics, and patriarchal structures in the poem | “I am from Imogene and Alafair” – The speaker highlights the importance of female family members and their influence. |
| Marxist Criticism | Examines social class, economic structures, and power relations in the poem | “I am from fried corn and strong coffee” – The speaker associates their family with comforting, working-class foods and drinks. |
| Postcolonial Criticism | Analyzes the impact of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural dominance on the poem | “I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch” – The speaker claims their heritage and family history, resisting cultural erasure. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Explores the speaker’s unconscious thoughts, desires, and childhood experiences | “Under my bed was a dress box / spilling old pictures” – The speaker’s memories and desires are revealed through the imagery of the dress box and old pictures. |
| Reader-Response Criticism | Emphasizes the reader’s interpretation and experience of the poem | “I am from those moments — / snapped before I budded –” – The reader is invited to reflect on their own childhood memories and experiences. |
| Structuralism | Examines the poem’s underlying structures, patterns, and binary oppositions | “I am from… / I’m from…” – The repetition of “I am from” and “I’m from” creates a structural pattern, emphasizing the speaker’s connections and heritage. |
| Poststructuralism | Challenges traditional notions of meaning, language, and identity in the poem | “a sift of lost faces / to drift beneath my dreams” – The speaker’s identity and memories are fragmented and fluid, resisting fixed meanings. |
| New Historicism | Analyzes the poem’s historical context, cultural artifacts, and social constructs | “I am from the dirt under the back porch” – The speaker’s connection to the natural world and specific places reflects their cultural and social context. |
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| Identity and Heritage | How does the speaker’s identity and sense of belonging emerge from their memories and experiences? | “Through the accumulation of vivid memories and sensory details, the speaker constructs a rich tapestry of their identity, rooted in their family, culture, and personal history.” |
| Childhood and Nostalgia | How does the poem portray childhood as a formative and nostalgic experience? | “The speaker’s nostalgic recollections of childhood reveal a deep longing for a lost innocence and simplicity, highlighting the significance of early experiences in shaping adult perspectives.” |
| Family and Tradition | How does the poem explore the speaker’s connection to their family and cultural traditions? | “The speaker’s invocation of family names, stories, and cultural practices serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving family heritage.” |
| Memory and Storytelling | How does the poem use memory and storytelling to create a sense of self and connection to the past? | “Through the act of storytelling, the speaker transforms fragmented memories into a cohesive narrative, illustrating the capacity of memory to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place within the world.” |
Short Questions/Answers about “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
- What is the central theme of “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon? The central theme of the poem is identity. Through the speaker’s reflection on various objects, experiences, and familial ties, they explore the elements that have shaped their sense of self. For instance, the repetition of “I am from” followed by specific details like “clothespins” and “fudge” underscores the diverse range of influences contributing to the speaker’s identity.
- How does the poem evoke a sense of nostalgia? “Where I’m From” evokes nostalgia through vivid imagery and reminiscences of past experiences. For example, descriptions like “the dirt under the back porch” and “spilling old pictures” transport the reader back to the speaker’s childhood memories. These nostalgic elements evoke a longing for the past, contributing to the emotional depth of the poem.
- What role does family play in the poem? Family plays a significant role in “Where I’m From,” as the speaker reflects on familial relationships and ancestral roots. References to relatives such as “Imogene and Alafair” and “Artemus and Billie’s Branch” provide glimpses into the speaker’s familial lineage, highlighting the importance of family in shaping one’s identity. Additionally, anecdotes and traditions passed down through generations, like “He restoreth my soul” and “fried corn and strong coffee,” underscore the influence of family heritage on the speaker’s sense of self.
- How does the poem explore the connection to place? The poem explores the connection to place through vivid descriptions of specific locations and geographical contexts. For instance, references to “the dirt under the back porch” and “Artemus and Billie’s Branch” evoke a strong sense of place, anchoring the speaker’s identity within a particular geographical setting. Furthermore, the imagery of “the family tree” symbolizes the interconnectedness of the speaker’s lineage to a specific location, highlighting the theme of connection to place throughout the poem.
Literary Works Similar to “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
- “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke: This poem explores themes of family, memory, and identity through the lens of a son’s recollection of dancing with his father. Like “Where I’m From,” it delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.
- “The Layers” by Stanley Kunitz: Kunitz’s poem reflects on the layers of identity and experience that shape a person’s sense of self over time. Similar to “Where I’m From,” it explores themes of memory, heritage, and the interconnectedness of past and present.
- “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden: Hayden’s poem reflects on the speaker’s relationship with their father and the sacrifices he made for their family. Like “Where I’m From,” it delves into themes of family dynamics, memory, and the complexities of love and appreciation.
- “The Bean Eaters” by Gwendolyn Brooks: Brooks’ poem provides a snapshot of an elderly couple’s life and the simple yet meaningful moments that define their existence. Similar to “Where I’m From,” it explores themes of domesticity, memory, and the richness found in everyday experiences.
- “Digging” by Seamus Heaney: Heaney’s poem reflects on the speaker’s identity as a writer and the influence of his familial roots, particularly his father and grandfather, who worked as farmers. Like “Where I’m From,” it explores themes of ancestry, tradition, and the connection between personal identity and one’s cultural heritage.
Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
Books:
- Lyon, George Ella. Where I’m From: Where Poems Come From. University Press of Kentucky, 2000.
- Bishop, Wendy. The Subject Is Story: Essays for Writers and Readers. University of Chicago Press, 2003.
Web Links:
- Poetry Foundation. “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/where-im-from
- Academy of American Poets. “George Ella Lyon.” https://poets.org/poet/george-ella-lyon
Representative Quotations from “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
| Quotation | Context | Theorization |
| “I am from clothespins, / from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.” | The speaker introduces their origins, using everyday objects to describe their childhood. | Biographical Criticism: The speaker’s use of household items reveals their working-class background and familiarities. |
| “I am from the dirt under the back porch. / (Black, glistening / it tasted like beets.)” | The speaker recalls a specific memory from their childhood, using sensory details to describe the experience. | Reader-Response Criticism: The reader is invited to reflect on their own childhood memories and experiences, connecting with the speaker’s nostalgia. |
| “I am from the forsythia bush, / the Dutch elm / whose long gone limbs I remember / as if they were my own.” | The speaker associates their family with natural imagery, emphasizing a sense of ownership and connection. | Ecocriticism: The speaker’s connection to nature reflects a sense of environmental awareness and appreciation. |
| “I’m from He restoreth my soul / with cottonball lamb / and ten verses I can say myself.” | The speaker references a religious text (Psalm 23), associating their family with faith and tradition. | Historical Criticism: The speaker’s use of religious imagery reflects the cultural and religious context of their upbringing. |
| “Under my bed was a dress box / spilling old pictures. / a sift of lost faces / to drift beneath my dreams.” | The speaker recalls a specific memory from their childhood, using imagery to describe the experience. | Psychoanalytic Criticism: The speaker’s memories and desires are revealed through the imagery of the dress box and old pictures, reflecting their unconscious thoughts. |
| “I am from those moments — / snapped before I budded — / leaf-fall from the family tree.” | The speaker reflects on their childhood, using a botanical metaphor to describe their growth and development. | Structuralism: The repetition of “I am from” and the use of natural imagery create a structural pattern, emphasizing the speaker’s connections and heritage. |