Pythian Games

I Am: The Poem

Posted in Identity Poems by Lori on March 20th, 2008

I am from tuna fish sandwiches on Wonder Bread,
from Barbie dolls and Stingrays with banana seats.

I am from the rough stucco walls of a small tract house,
baking in the sun of a golden land.

I am from palm trees and sweet gardenia,
from juicy lemons plucked from a backyard tree.

I am from opening presents on Christmas eve
and then again on Christmas morning.

I am from roaming tribes of barbarians,
hardscrabble Yankees and Indiana farmers,
from grips and greensmen on the MGM lot,
from women who made egg custard in blue willow cups.

I am from raucous laughter and bawdy jokes,
from straight-shooting, between-the-eyes honesty.

I am from “what goes around, comes around”
and “everything happens for a reason”.

I am from Congregationalists, Lutherans, Baptists and Mormons.
I am from mediums who had séances in the parlor.
I am by the Book but respect all others who chose a different way.
I glory in the revelation of nature.

I am from a father who took me to the library three times a week.
I am from a mother who drew whipped cream smiley faces on pancakes when I was sick.

I am from faded photographs of straight-laced women in Victorian skirts,
from ancestors I do not know except from notes in a plastic box.

I live in the shadow of the Greatest Generation striving to make a mark in my own.

L. Gloyd © 2008

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14 Responses to 'I Am: The Poem'

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  1. imogen88 said, on March 20th, 2008 at 6:02 am

    Wow, Lori. This is so strong and full of images. MGM would have been a treat to hear about through your family members. A rich tapestry of influences here!

  2. gailkav said, on March 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am

    I am constantly amazed and enchanted at what this challenge is drawing out. It is humbling to see so much richness of life experience.

  3. lorigloyd said, on March 20th, 2008 at 11:27 am

    Thanks, Gail.

    Imogen, one of my regrets is that I didn’t listen more and ask more questions of my grandfather. I just took it for granted that everyone’s grandfather went to work with people like Grace Kelly and Groucho Marx.

  4. espirit07 said, on March 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    Very nice! Excellent poem that shares more of who you are ;-)

  5. Gwen Myers said, on March 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm

    Lori,
    This is such deliciously rich imagry for your tapestry!! I think I need to favourite this page so I can read this over and over, until all the textures are familiar to me.
    Hugs and Kisses,
    GwenGuin

  6. woodnymph said, on March 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm

    A wonderful insight, Lori, to who you are.

    Vi

  7. kvwordsmith said, on March 20th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    What a cool dad - to take you to the library 3 times a week!
    That last line is such a “footstomp” - and oh I can relate:
    “I live in the shadow of the Greatest Generation striving to make a mark in my own.”
    But, hey, our stories are far from over!

  8. shewolfy728 said, on March 20th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    Lori - what a window into who you are. This is fascinating - and while we grew up on different sides of the country, in very different cultures, it is neat to see the things in common as well as the differences. Really neat poem, Lori.

  9. Raven said, on March 20th, 2008 at 5:05 pm

    the imagery is enchanting
    thank you for sharing so much of yourself

  10. quinncreative said, on March 21st, 2008 at 12:39 am

    So rich and so vivid! I’ve been reading your posts for a year, but in this one, I can SEE you!
    Thanks so much for taking on this challenge.

  11. Heather Blakey said, on March 21st, 2008 at 1:33 am

    The bell of your authentic voice is ringing very loudly here Lori. Stunning really!

  12. lorigloyd said, on March 21st, 2008 at 2:13 am

    Thanks, everyone. I appreciate everyone who has posted here.

  13. cronelogical said, on March 21st, 2008 at 2:29 am

    It is good to return and find such a fine piece of work and that it is appreciated. Fran

  14. jodhiay said, on March 21st, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    Bicycles with banana seats! I remember them well. That and trips to the library with my mom, which were always a treat. A pleasure to read this, Lori.

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