Where I’m From

George Ella Lyon’s poem helps open up conversations about our unique lives and shared life experiences.

George Ella Lyon is a writer and teacher from Kentucky. George Ella created the Where I’m From poem in response to another poem by Jo Carson. The structure and writing prompt has since been used in thousands of schools and communities across the country. By using this poem prompt as an icebreaker in community meetings, you can start to individually and collectively explore a sense of place, what people value, and what people remember.

• Timeframe to Complete: Less than 2 hours 

• Cost Range: Free  

• Key Words: Creative Community Conversations, Beginner, Writing, Initiating Place 

• This project was created by former Kentucky Poet Laureate, George Ella Lyon, in partnership with the Kentucky Arts Council. Click on the link below to access the resource.