I'M FROM POEM: BELOW are questions--write down specific details about each. Don't
worry about complete sentences. Worry about being detailed! Be specific not vague. Use
phrases, and adjectives, and concrete nouns. When describing your neighborhood, use
short phrases like "oak tree roots cracking sidewalks" or "Carly + John spray-painted on
the park slide." Use 3-5 details for each and be specific (use all five senses when you can).
Don't say "dirty streets." Say "chain-link fences, a prison for salivating pit bulls." These
phrases will become part of your poem. You are not bound to this list-add to it and include
what you LOVE most. Then use them to recast and craft into a poetic format, each line
beginning with "I'm From." TWELVE LINES MINIMUM!
Describe your neighborhood
Describe some things you do when you're alone or with a friend
Describe favorite foods traditional in your home
Describe your favorite music/musicians/lyrics
Describe scents/smells and/or sounds that remind you of your home or family
Describe a memorable moment (good or bad)
Describe your style or fashion trends
Describe something you've done (but are not proud of)
Describe specific details about family members (parents/siblings/grandparents)-don't be
mean, think about what they do, how they act or what they look like that stands out
Describe things you were told as a child (repeated by adults in your life)
Describe yourself--characteristics, personality traits typical of you, etc.
Describe anything else you that exemplifies the experiences and places you come from

Just give me a good poem