I don’t often play along with writing prompts and challenges, but this one caught my attention.
Brooke from A Gypsy’s Tale wrote her poem based on the poem of George Ella Lyon. Their poems are in the style of Dr. Seuss, but with a twist. They’re meant to be a creative life story using the prompt “Where I’m From.” You can read Brook and George’s poems here on Brooke’s post The Lion’s Lair.
Where I’m From
birthed in Madison Wi raised in Mclean VA independence sought in Portland OR and Boulder CO landing in Fayetteville AR
my tender roots started to grow in the shade of a giant willow tree nature's love nested in my heart dormant until pain demanded action
I sprung forth like a shot traveling the country near and far finally a winter's rest in Portland OR with self-exploration taking hold
then off to new adventures in Boulder CO where the men did call and brothers we became but death came knocking and changed the game wanderlust took hold and fear went traveling
a weary traveler landed in Arkansas with roots tenuous at best too little water and soil constantly pulled by restless feet finally defeat layed down the law at 50 the game became survival slowly self-love took root nurtured in compassion and care
Where I’m From – 2
I'm from willows and creeks, backyard retreats riding bikes, badminton and croquet childhood glee amid adult defeats lost friends, isolation, and pain solace in books, school, and work with excellence the measure
I'm from generations of pain locked in booze and depression tendrils of love in booze and sex travel, parks, hiking, and a VW Camper
I'm from men's groups, soul searching quests advanced in hiking, biking photography, dancing, and play then death came calling roots pulled up again
I'm from fear and losses responsiblity and survival with no clear path forward a hint of light grew in the dark compassion and care leading the way
This is where my mind went. I didn’t follow the same pattern and rhythm as Brooke and George, but they’re two poems of where I’m from. Often, it seems like I’ve made so little progress to show for the many years of personal growth. In fact, I’ve come to believe personal growth and seeking became an obsessive trap for me, another way to seek approval in the world that judges us for performance. The most progress I’ve made is during the last few years when I stopped trying to improve myself and simply focused on loving myself. Finally, I feel hope and see whispers of progress, but the story is far from complete. And still, the best times are long past when I was simply playing and following my joy. Consistent joy has been missing for a long time.
I appreciate all the love and support that you show me. Writing and blogging have been a huge part of my life and healing in the last few years. Thank you. Much like an addict, I need much more social connection.
May your journey be filled with love and connection, Brad
A great read Brad u wrote so well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kamal.
LikeLike
Welcome Brad
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brad. I am not even sure what to say because your words moved me so much and I am completely overwhelmed by them. Thank you for taking on this challenge and sharing these parts of yourself; you are truly inspiring. It was an absolute pleasure to read these poems and I feel honoured to have done so this morning!
LikeLiked by 3 people
And your words are very touching to me Tanya. It’s always nice to know our words resonate with another. Thanks for sharing in the process. Hugs, Brad
LikeLiked by 1 person
“The most progress I’ve made is during the last few years when I stopped trying to improve myself and simply focused on loving myself.” I really needed to hear this message, Brad. What if we are already here? It doesn’t matter how many years it takes or all the investments we’ve made, risks and failures lived through, and with all our striving. Yet, at the same time, it takes that intensity to find, perhaps, the relaxation in the evenness of the self in wellness – to find the gentleness of our breath as it is not forced or counted, just supplied. Thank you for sharing. You’ve inspired me, because sometimes I feel like I need to see more of this, what you have to offer, reflected in world.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for the heart-felt response Ka. It’s been hard to give myself permission to be as I am without much external validation. I love how you expressed the relaxation into breath and being. May we know and radiate peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brad, everything about this post is beautiful and courageous. I love the poems; I felt such an ache and sorrow and raw honesty from them. Your words are so moving and incredibly powerful. Thank you for sharing this. It will stay with me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Susan. I find that being open with my raw feelings is empowering. I’m glad they resonated with you and appreciate your kind and raw response too. blessings, Brad
LikeLiked by 1 person
very moving post, Brad
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Mitza.
LikeLike
Well said Brad….Great poems by the way….Sounds like you are on the right path at last….Take good care of yourself…Courage blooms and we begin to grow….Blessings…VK
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks VK. Sometimes it’s hard to trust when there is no outer sign of progress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, Brad! Such raw honesty and so eloquently said….thanks for sharing!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re most welcome Kirt. Raw yes, eloquent I don’t know. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Brad. This is a powerful biographical poem. Or poetic biography? Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Cynthia. Maybe a biographic mess?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only in the sense of our being human.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, 🙂
LikeLike
I read your post, and Brooke’s too – the idea stuck with me and I wound up writing something based on this prompt as well! I enjoyed your post, and thanks for the inspiration 🙂
– Lily
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re most welcome Lily. 🙂 I like your creative adaptation of the challenge. Thanks for playing along and sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brad, this is, god…you tapped into something that showed a side of you I haven’t seen. What you wrote as a follow0up is equally as powerful. You are at a place where we all want to be. I’m sure it doesn’t always feel that way, but just to stop trying…just to stop fucking trying and just be, to love yourself enough to do that… such an inspiration. Thank you so much for taking a risk and sharing this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Brooke. I actually like your and George’s more for the style and gentle hints at your lives. Mine is a full-on emotional barrage! I hope to remember your wise encouragement to quit trying and just be more. Thanks for the inspiration to write a life story/ poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey. I’m a pre-graduate student of English Language Teaching and I’m teaching in a Young Prison to one student who likes to read. I’m working with a problem-posing pedagogy, and you have no idea how much your poem reminds me of my young student. I loved it, and I know writing this must have been hard, and… you are such an inspiration. Do you mind if I show it to my learner? I think this could help him move on and realize his life is not so different… and that he can aspire to write so well like you do, even inside the place he is.
Thanks for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Scarlett. Thanks for reaching out and asking. I don’t mind at all. I would be honored and touched if my words helped bring some insight or peace to your student.
LikeLike
The poems reach deep places, far place. I envy the places you’ve been that I want to visit: Oregon and Boulder. But what really hits home is the part about self improvement being a way of seeking approval. “I stopped trying to improve myself and simply focused on loving myself.” That’s the new idea that’s been whispering in my ear lately. It feels like a foreign concept in some ways and exactly where I need to be. Thank you, Brad.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you JoAnna. I’m glad the part about self acceptance resonates for you. Self improvement hasn’t really worked for me. Maybe if we relax into who we are already. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice work. I was challenged too. Amazing where such challenges take you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Bojana. Your poem and post are amazing. They are so creative, poignant, real, and bursting with energy. I am awed and touched. Thanks for reaching out. I look forward to reading more and connecting. Humbly, Brad
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a bunch, Brad. It means a lot to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My sincere pleasure Bojana. Your poem is incredibly moving, powerful, and creative. I read and liked so many of the comments about your poem, but didn’t know where to post mine. 🙂 Kudos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In that little box on the bottom mysteriously called Leave a Reply. 🙂
I heard you, that’s all that matters. Keep in touch….
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. I guess there were so many comments, I never found the bottom. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
great post, so moving, I thoroughly enjoyed it! i think you’d enjoy mine too! maybe check it out 😊 let me know what you think!! https://tailoredbymtaylor.wordpress.com/2018/03/18/s-happens/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks and welcome Megan.
LikeLike
Amazing😇
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you.
LikeLike
Your title caught my eye because it reminded me of the Raymond Carver collection “Where I’m Calling From”. Glad I stopped in to take a look. I enjoyed your poems. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks S.J. I’m not familiar with that author or book. Maybe I’ll check it out. Kudos on your upcoming book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brad. Raymond Carver is a wonderful short story writer. If you’re going to start anywhere I’d recommend either “Cathedral” or “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”. He’s a real treat. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks SJ. I’ll check our local library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You completely overwhelmed me, it was beautiful, thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gemma. I hope overwhelmed in a good way. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person