GIFTS

Words are Gifts


Where I am From

I come from sunny days, tropical rains and walking to and fro my neighbours’ homes

where daring students in our starched  purple uniforms climb mango trees after school, for a refreshing taste of tropical joy

I come from a land of colorful celebrations and rhythmic afro beats

where talking drums announce the reason we are gathered

I come from grandma’s Ananse stories, mama’s spicy dishes and the rhythmic dances of all the family

where everybody is welcome to join in for the sumptuous feast. “Come one, come all,” mama invites

that makes me feel blessed to be part of a community that never stops giving

This is where I come from

Our third graders wrote and published their rendition of this poem. They mesmerized their parents when they read their poems aloud, at our recent learning conferences.



6 responses to “Where I am From”

  1. Alice Tabor-Nine Avatar
    Alice Tabor-Nine

    Such a great idea for a parent night! Love stepping into your space, seeing the sights, hearing the sounds, and feeling such love and acceptance. Nice slice of life!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I love your poem and this format. I’ve written this poem before but not sure where I can find it, so it stands to reason…I just need to write a new one, “Where I Come From” 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I love your format and your line, “part of a community that never stops giving.” You have captured so much about it all. Your students are very fortunate to have you as their teacher and mentor.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Oh, Juliette, seeing those purple uniformed girls climbing the mango trees gives me all kinds of feels. And the family and community warmth is beautiful! Now I’m off to see your students’ poems.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oops, I thought you posted two different posts today with your students’ poems. Oh, well. I love that they mesmerized their parents with their beautiful work.

      Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I am an Elementary school teacher , I taught at an International IB School in Accra, Ghana. I am now teaching in Hanoi. Writing is my passion and I try to write daily, at least in my sentence a day journal, to capture all the blessings around me. I write with groups of writers, such as Teach Write and sometimes Ethical ELA. I also encourage my friends to write , so I created a platform to make that possible -Writing Run.

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