Where I’m From
By Grace Wang
Inspired by the poem “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
This is a poem about where I’m from as a 16-year-old, born and raised in Queens, New York in a small family of four.
1
5
I’m from Queens, New York
From a quiet neighborhood named Middle Village
Of a working class district
With friends and parents who nurse and teach
I’m from a park named Juniper Valley
My version of Central Park
With large green fields and long paved roads
I call this my home
10
I’m from a family of four
From an enigmatic but brilliant young brother
To headstrong and quick-witted immigrant parents
I’m from trial and error, learning to be a sister
Lessons and journeys, tears and laughter
Books and music, journals and pens
15
20
I’m from a window the size of a wall
From afternoon sunshine radiating light
To scratched wooden floors of 15 years of age
I’m from countless home renovations
To holiday celebrations
To evening family dinners
I call this my home
25
I’m from home-cooked meals,
From lightly salted bok choy to Peking duck
I’m from annual family gatherings
Waking to eat dim sum in crowded rooms
From red envelopes to red bean mooncakes
I’m from family traditions and rich festivals
To countless relatives whose lives are an ocean away
30
35
I’m from hourly subway rides
Crowded strangers pushed in a cart
From the 6 train to the C train
I’m from familiar routes in complicated terminals
From walks along piers by the bay
To swimming in recreation centers
I find activity in the city
I call this my home
Process
My poem was inspired by “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon. When I came across it on the internet, I wanted to practice writing poetry, and this poem stuck out to me because of its relatability. The poet mentions everyday common items, and these small things like a clothespin, coffee and eyeglasses came together to make up a portion of her identity. I wanted to do something similar, such as taking small, common pieces of my life to describe my identity.
Grace Wang
Grace Wang is a junior in high school where she majors in vocals. She is very proud this year to have been accepted to the Broadway Dance Center’s youth performance company, Arts in Motion. When she’s not studying or dancing, Grace can be found reading, hanging out with friends or rowing in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Her favorite book is "Where The Crawdads Sing."
