Periodically here on Poetry Pop, we enjoy a Guest Pop where a guest poet pops in for a visit. Today, Author Linda Joy Singleton shares her poem. Linda doesn’t consider herself a poet, but she definitely has a way with words, which goes to show there is a poet in all of us—whether we know it or not.

Some time ago, I wrote a post on Where I’m From poems, complete with a template which I will share again below. Made famous by George Ella Lyons, this type of poem is a literary snapshot of the poet’s most memorable images of their childhood. Through the text, the poet takes the reader on a journey to show them who they were as a child and who they are today. Educators, activists, psychologists, and others have used Ms. Lyons’ poem as a writing exercise for all ages.

WHERE I’M FROM BY Linda joy singleton

I am from stories, 
from Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton.
I am from a corner house with
green summer scented grass.
I am from trees
for climbing and shade on hot days.
I’m from one gift on Christmas Eve
And decorations dazzling the house
from my mother and father.
I’m from the collecting of cat objects
and a series of series books. 
From “clean your room” and
 “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.”
I’m from walking somewhere or nowhere surrounded by nature.
I’m from Portland and England,
home-cooked dinners, and chocolate chip cookies.
From square dance calls linking hands in a circle of family and friends.

© 2019 Linda Joy Singleton all rights reserved

Linda Joy Singleton is the author of over 55 MG, YA, and picture books Her most recent books are the Curious Cat Spy Club series, Crane & Crane, Memory Trap, and Sun & Sun. She offers writing advice, book news, free stories, and downloadable activities for kids including a board game “Save the Cats” at www.LindaJoySingleton.com.

That was beautiful, Linda Joy! Thank you for sharing with us today!

give it a try

As promised, here’s a visual example of the template. You can download the full, interactive template here: Where I’m From Poem – Freeology

Just fill in the form with your words; when finished, the interactive template will put your words into a poem-type format for you (or you can retype it in the original format as above). Try to use details and expand on the prompted words with descriptions. Dig deep and really let your reader know where you are from. When you get to the bottom of the template—just click “create.” But don’t worry; you’ll have a chance to make changes if needed (use the back arrow in your web browser, make changes, and click “create” again).

tHANKS FOR POPPING IN

I hope you enjoyed Linda Joy’s poem. Please follow the blog for a weekly pop of poetry. If you write poems and would like to be featured in a Guest Pop post, please contact me and I’ll be in touch.