"WHERE I COME FROM...":
A COLLECTION OF POETRY

Joan Olford

Part II

AUTHORS:

Amanda Coles
Crystal Coles
Gloria Compton
Pete Constantine
Jennifer Conway
Denine Corbett
Wendy Corbett
Kim Coughlan
Dolena Croucher
Kelly Crummey
Stacey Cutler
Lisa DaIley
Danielle Davis
Melissa Dawe
Myra Dawson
Crystal Day
Wendy Dunphy
Dorcas Eason
Mary Easton
Diana Elliott
Jennifer Ezekiel
Elizabeth Fagan
Angela Feltham
Elaina Fennell
Dwana Fifield
Valerie Fifield
Cindy Finlay
Renée Fitzgerald
Susan Freake
JoAnn French
Angalee George
Melissa Gilbert
April Gill
Tina Pike

Where I Come From...
By Amanda Coles

I come from an island in the middle of the
North Atlantic, the cool wind blows.

I come from a place where the ocean
meets the sky and the snow piles high.

I come from a family that is a treasure and
the most ones dear to you will always be near to you.

I come from warm smiles and swirls of encouragement
that you will receive when you visit the sea.

Where I Come From…
By Crystal Coles

I come from a house with storm doors, picket fences
and shutters at the windows.

I come from a home watched over by a porcelain dog named Butch,
and family portraits lining the wall.

I come from a street that was once quiet and serene,
where fun loving children were safe at play.

I come from a neighborhood, where children soon became sparse,
and honking horns and squealing tires were the new norm.

I come from hardworking Mom's and Dad's, frisky cats with delightful names,
and a brother who loved to annoy me.

I come from the smell of fresh-baked bread, fried cod breeches,
and my Ma's homemade partridgeberry tart.

I come from a pine chest filled with memories, from marriages,
births, and Christmases past.

I come from qualities like loyalty, honesty, and humour,
part and parcel of my large, loving family.

I come from a place that will always be home to me.

Where I Come From…
By Gloria Compton

I come from strong family ties.
I come from a small home with six siblings.
I come from shared birthday parties and beds and heavy homemade quilts.

I come from summers, where saltwater reaches the taste buds,
and seagulls soar overhead.
I come from winters where snow numbs the wrist and snowballs
form on frozen knitted mittens.

I come from the smell of waxed floors, molasses on warm homemade bread,
and every kind of soup imaginable.

I come from parents who taught responsibility, appreciation
and the value of education and hard work.
I come from a mother who repeatedly said,
"Just wait until your father comes home!"

I come from old photos of children playing
Stored in albums and cupboards for safe keeping.

I come from being protected to being a protector.
I come from being a mom myself- of sleepless nights,
endless worries, and countless joys.

I come from fulfilling childhood dreams in becoming a teacher.
I come from hope that I will make a difference in children's lives.

Where I Come From…
By Pete Constantine

I come from a school at the top of my street,
I'm named after both grandfather's, whose names were Pete.

I come from a family of 4 boys and 1 girl,
for 23 years I've lived in Mount Pearl.

I come from a love of all types of sports,
all the year round, I can be found wearing shorts.

I come from a say camp filled with many tykes,
I prefer to drive in my car, than ride on my bike.

I come from a hike deep into the woods,
my backpack's heavy, but the fishing is good.

I come from a circle of a few close friends,
for them I always find time to spend.

I come from Quebec, where I went for 3 weeks,
living across the Island because airfares are not heap

I come from a summer filled with lots of fun,
salmonfest, cabins, and lying in the sun.

Where l Come From…
By Jennifer Conway

I come from Conception Harbour along the Conception Bay Highway.

I come from a white split-level house on a hill over looking the town.

I come from a house that always smelled of bread baking, cookies or muffins.

I come from Anne and Bernard who have now gone their separate ways.

I come from a house with only one brother named Matthew.

I come from many summer days of playing in around the pond.

I come from long summer nights of playing spotlight with cousins.

I come from fun annual family BBQ's filled with BBQ caplin, steaks,
hotdogs and Aunt Agnes' great macaroni salad.

I come from a house that continues to grow with fond memories
of where I come from.

Where I Come From…
By Denine Corbett

I come from a home with a cobby to play in
and mom's jewelry box to explore.

I come from a flower garden and wild rose bush facing the ocean.

I come from a meadow, blueberry patch and a view of Holy Cross Mountain.

I come from Cherry and Gary, loving mom and dad.

I come from my big sis, Cheryl, and little brother Colin, my protectors.

I come from birthday parties at the family restaurant, C&G.

I come from playing "go fish" with poppy, hopscotch
and skipping in the front yard.

I come from cracked up meat and potatoes,
homemade hash browns and tweedies.

I come from being taught the importance of family
And following your heart.

Where I Come From…
By Wendy Corbett

I come from a town
where no one is a stranger.

I come from a two story house
and a playground back yard.

I come from piano lessons
and dance classes

I come from home made bread
and cooked Sunday dinners.

I come from a family of four,
where dogs are always welcomed.

I come from a home filled with love.

Where I Come From...
By Kim Coughlan

I come from a small neighborhood in the east-end of town and I lived in a
two-story, gray house and, when I looked through my bedroom window, I could see the playground.

I come from a place that was known as the Kool-Aid house, where all of my
friends would meet to play 'ghost in the graveyard' and 'spotlight'.

I come from playing with Cabbage Patch dolls and Raggedy Anne to
studying at Memorial for a degree in Education.

I come from wanting a beautiful dollhouse in my backyard on Meighen
Street to buying a house on Sparrow Drive in Conception Bay South.

I come from having BBQ steaks and Nan's Sunday dinner
to eating a lot of kraft dinner.

I come from a loving home where the smell of dark fruitcakes filled the air
that always reminds me that Christmas is near.

Where I Come From…
By Dolena Croucher

I come from a town that lovinqly grasps the water's edqe
and a home where you can feel the kissinq of the ocean's spray.

I come from foq of mystic charm to the one place I call home,
where the niqhts are filled with stars of qlorious qlitter that briqhten the dark sky.

I come from the hills that possess nature's own beauty,
filled with the love and lauqhter of childhood memories.

I come from a family of hard workers who support me in every way possible,
and from them I gather strength and determination
to pave my own way in the world.

I come from Wayne and Elaine, the two most important people to me,
it is because of them and where I come from that I am proud of who I am,
and what I have become.

I come from a family of eternal love and happiness and a little town I all home,
where I come from is who I am and because of this
I am proud to be the person they have guided me to be.

Where I Come From...
By Kelly Crummey

I come from a place I call my own
It's a special place I call my home.

I come from a place where childhood memories last
A place where I grew up very fast.

I come from a place from "out around the bay,"
A phrase I hear everyone say.

I come from a place called Carbonear
It's not very far from here.

I come from a place where young life was fun
But now in university my adult life has just begun.

Now I am on my own
And I do not live in my home.

Where I Come From…
By Stacey Cutler

I come from the crisp cold Atlantic at my face and deep woods at my back.

I come from the crackling of firewood, of "I love you's" and "Be careful's".

I come from a mother's tender touch and a father's protective guidance.

I come from homemade stews, lobster boil-ups and salt fish.

I come from freshly baked bread, bitter partridgeberry tarts and bake apple jam.

I come from hopes of equality and a respect for diversity.

I come from memories of good times with family and friends.

I come from my home, my safe harbour.

Where I Come From…
By Lisa Dalley

I come from many places-steep stairways, real peanut plants,
beaded curtains, exotic wall murals and a downstairs bar with
Christmas lights in beer bottles that enticed Twinkles and Tabby to play.

I come from a street where a long driveway sneaks up a hill
and behind a fenced yard, a magnificent fallen tree- 'Obstacle course'
we used to call it but on the weekends,
the ocean was where my heart was.

I come from an admirable, loving pair, "Captain Ross" and "First Mate Linda", along with 2 grandmas and 2 grandpas who used to bake
us cookies and give us gum.

I come from a family affectionately tagged "The Dalley-Ho's" and other
personal labels such as "little trout", "big sis", and "There's my number 1!"

I come from a childhood of kraft dinner, peanut butter and jam,
weiners with ketchup on crackers baked with cheese,
and ice cream after cooked dinners.

I come from voices that enjoy life, never taking it for granted and
who remind me- "You can do it!", "don't forget your manners",
and "always try your best," as you will succeed.

I come from 23 photo albums standing at attention on the shelf;
I smell the sweet sea-side waves, the great outdoors
and realize how lucky I am.

I come from small towns and even bigger cities where I admire my roots, appreciate my surroundings, and am thankful for all these
wonderful childhood years.

Where I Come From…
By Danielle Davis

Where I come from…
The vast universe has been perfectly crafted,
working in harmony for the continuation of life.

Where I come from…
The globe is more than just a spinning entity,
but a beautiful land where a variety of creatures coexist.

Where I come from...
The country is a melting pot of different nationalities,
where freedom, peace and love are the ultimate goal.

Where I come from…
My family are close to one another,
where communication, morals and Godly belief are a core value.

Where I come from...
My creator has crafted each person with care,
where every child is named, and every hair is numbered.

Where I come from...
Our maker is more than just an inventor,
but is a father, a savior and a friend.

Where I Come From…
By Melissa Dawe

I come from a road filled with friends and family,
and it is older then me.

I come from a house that has always been my home,
and will always be my home.

I come from the family that has two parents and a brother,
and their names are Bruce, Marie and Mark.

I come from a family that is thicker then molasses,
and tougher than nails.

I come from vegetable soup and homegrown veggies,
and family drives to Gander.

I come from a place surrounded by family and friends,
and roads and gardens where I played as a child.

I come from the town of Conception Bay South,
I live in a place called Kelligrews,
and I live on a little road called Forest Road.

Where I Come From…
By Myra Dawson

I come from the cold, icy waters, but a warm, fiery hearth

I come from a small, quiet village, but where friends know your true worth

I come from a home modest and quaint, but welcomes everyone short and tall

I come from a family small yet big, but where the love
and laughter can't be measured at all.

Where I Come From...
By Crystal Day

I come from a luscious green valley
Enclosed by snow-covered mountains
Made of marble

I come from a Bay adorned with many Islands
I come from a wooded lane
Bound by love and support

I come from Linda and Pat,
A musician and a scholar

I come from endless sunny blue skies
And swimming in the Brook

I come from homemade bread
And secret spaghetti sauce

I come from the memories that reside
In the trunk in Mom's closet
And in each other

I come from relatives and friends,
Sisters and bunk beds

I come from a loving home,
Myself,
As I look to the future.

Where I Come From…
By Wendy Dunphy

A small fishing village
Close to the sea
That is where my parents
Decided to raise me

My dad worked really hard
Trying to catch fishes
My mom stayed at home
Doing laundry and dishes.

The school was small
With just one classroom
However, the boys and girls
Had their own bathrooms.

We have just one church
We are all Sally Ann's
I use to go sometimes
Along with my Nan

There is only one store
Where we buy our food
The people are all friendly
No one is rude

The population is declining
People have moved away
The place I just told you about
Is Monkstown, Placentia Bay.

Where I Come From…
By Dorcas Eason

I come from a place of scenic beauty,
where endless forest, winding trails and babbling brooks
are at every turn.

I come from great adventures,
as new ground is discovered through child curiosity.

I come from the smell of fresh homemade bread,
and a summer vegetable garden.

I come from wrestling matches and bike rides,
fishing trips ended early as I had "fallen" into the pond.

I come from a place where fond memories replace loved ones,
and new love blossoms at a birth.

I come from a loving Mom and bad,
who have sacrificed to give me all they have.

I come from a place that has shaped who I am,
in becoming me.

Where I Come From…
By Mary Easton

I come from.... A Family of Four.

A family that has very deep roots,
And believes that we only need each other.
We stick together through everything,
And know there is always someone else to count on.

I come from… A Community.

A community that is located in woods and rough,
Which only helps to add to its' character.
A place that is low in population,
Which is why everyone knows me and I belong.

I come from… A Province.

A province that is surrounded with water,
That allows all the goodness to be kept in.
An area that is considered the poorest,
But still ranks the most chariable.

I come from… A Country.

A country that is large in not only land mass,
But also in the heart of its' people.
A land where everyone is free and peaceful,
Which is why people all over the world would like to be me.

Where I Come From…
By Diana Elliott

I come from a village next to the sea,
a place that is home and special to me.

I come from an old farmhouse perched on a hill,
with descendants of generations living there still.

I come from my parents, James and Christie,
whose love is engraved in our old oak tree.

I come from garden vegetables and blueberry pie,
and strawberry fields that go as far as the eye.

I come from a playhouse with a homemade swing
that holds childhood memories - such marvellous things.

I come from old stories and quilts sewn by hand,
and no matter how far away, I'll always love this land.

Where I Come From...
By Jennifer Ezekiel

I come from knit mittens drying on heaters in the wintertime.

I come from softball bats, bikes and basement swings.

I come from a mountain with a cave to hide away in and read.

I come from frequently travelled paths linking each home.

I come from a meadow, site of water fights and wild goose chases.

I come from Ronald Michael, a quiet, gentle blessing, and Sylvia Marie, a
Goddess of strength and courage.

I come from Nan's blueberries and milk sprinkled with sugar.

I come from Mom's failed attempts to make apple pie.

I come from Skivereen, a primitive wonderland just beyond the train tracks.

I come from Hicksus Hill, where oftentimes the stars had to escort each
child home.

Where I Come From…
By Elizabeth Fagan

I come from a community by the side of the sea and from people whom
love life as a result of its presence.

I come from bonfires on the beach and prickles and capelin slipping
through eager hands.

I come from bunny trails leading to blueberry patches and filling
tummies instead of buckets with berries.

I come from summers with dry wells and swimming until fingers are wrinkled.

I come from woods of tall trees for climbing and secret cabins decorated
with pussy willows.

I come from family drives on Sunday afternoons and ice cream from the parlor.

I come from turkey dinners at Christmas and feeding dogs under tables
when no one watches.

I come from hauling wood for nanny and sipping tea with
homemade bread.

I come from falling asleep to the sound of the river and bedtime stories
from people who love me.

Where I Come From…
By Angela Feltham

I come from rugged rocks, jagged cliffs,
and spongy wet bog sprinkled with pitcher plants.

I come from rolling blueblack waves
brushing rhythmically against a rocky shore.

I come from babbling brooks and sloping hills
blanketed in spruce and fir and juniper.

I come from clothes softly dancing in a fresh, crisp breeze
underneath sunshine and blue sky.

I come from laughter, enveloped in grand parents, a brother,
and aunts and uncles and cousins galore.

I come from the soothing aroma of baked bread made from scratch
wafting through the kitchen door.

I come from tea buns and boiled beans,
and cooked dinner on Sundays.

I come from rocking chairs and potted house plants,
and from storybooks, songs and lullabies.

I come from great grandmother Bessie, with twinkling eyes,
angelic smile, and comfort for all.

I come from Wayne, my guardian angel up above,
and from Kevin, giving, supporting and strong.

I come from Gloria,
synonymous with understanding, encouragement, and love.

Where I Come From...
By Elaina Fennell

I come from a place in Bonavista Bay.

I come from a place where I played all day.

I come from a place called Plate Cove West.

I come from a place that I think is best.

I come from a great, colourful, bright, happy home.

I come from the huge forests where I did roam.

I come from a huge bathroom with two big sinks.

I come from a garden that was visited by lynx.

I come from a big back yard, that was great for playing catch.

I come from a hill where I used to go outdoors and enjoy to sketch.

I come from smells of fresh moose and onions in the pot.

I come from a place where rabbits, fish and moose were caught.

I come from most precious words "You can be whatever you want to be."

I come from millions of sunsets that every evening I would see.

I come from saying "luvs ya, see ya da mar marning!"

I come from mom, mending socks and darning.

I come from memories made in big snow tunnels,
and on the porch outside our living room window.

I come from a place that hurts me to see dwindle.

Where I Come From…
By Dwana Flfield

I come from a place of fair rugged beauty,
of trees, flowers and of ocean shores.

I come from a house beneath a tall mountain,
beside a large field where wild grass grows.

I come from a family that consists of five people,
my mom, my dad, two sisters and me.

I come from a place - population 5000,
where people are friendly and as kind as can be.

I come from a place called Bonavista,
it's a wonderful place - it's home to me.

Where I Come From...
By Valerie Fifield

I come from a long line of caring.
Of unconditional giving, friendly smiles,
And never laughter.

I come from pea soup on Saturdays,
Church on Sundays, ice skating on ponds,
And swimming in brooks.

I come from ocean spray and seagull squeals,
Crisp summer mornings, Glorious autumn evenings,
And frosty winter nights.

I come from snow angels and ice forts,
Mud pies and cowboys and Indians,
Water balloon wars and spotlight.

I come from the strength of God,
Support of family and,
Determination of self.

Where I Come From...
By Cindy Finlay

I come from Sutton's Lane and a family of six.

I come from foggy days and salty sea air.

I come from two loyal pet dogs, Skippy and Patches.

I come from Nan's and Granda's house with peppermint knobs and
Bread in the oven, 120's and Ladies Long.

I come from Mom's trifle and Mrs. Theresa's raisin buns.

I come from turkey dinner with the D's, cooked in the Finlay pot.

I come from bakeapple pickling on sweet-smelling marshes.

I come from mud pies, books, Barbies and Tonka trucks.

I come from picnics in the woods and playing office on the rocks.

I come from basketball in the backyard and sliding in the lane.

I come from laughter, smiles and tears, but mostly...

I come from love.

Where I Come From…
By Renée Fitzgerald

I come from a community of eight hundred large
where I live in the lane from my cousin, Rod and his wife, Marge.

I come from a place where people go back for retirement;
they can experience peace, quiet, and enjoyment.

I come from a place where there is a pharmacy, doctor, and pub.

There were two churches,
one which is now a restaurant that serves good grub.

There is also a marina where many boats dock.

It is a great place to go for a walk around the block.

This little community is called Musgravetown.

Stop in our beautiful place and have a look around.

Where I Come From…
By Susan Freake

I come from a hilltop that faces the bay,
and from a house with windows overlooking rooftops.

1 come from a street with three churches on it,
and the sound of bells, on Sundays, the Sabbath.

I come from Wayne and Linda,
workers and parents, devoted and caring.

I come from these parents, who still call me their baby,
and one brother, one sister, whom I admire more each day.

I come from a dog that is small and black,
I brought her home without permission; my parents
didn't like that!

I come from a childhood that I will cherish forever.
and I will always remember, 'Where I Come From.'

Where I Come From…
By JoAnn French

I come from Carbonear called the 'hub of the bay',
and from a town where the same friendly people pass by everyday.

I come from a street with close friends all around,
and with memories of meeting at crossroads playground.

I come from a house smelling of fresh bread,
I always had some before being tucked away in bed.

I come from a place next to my grandparents' home,
down the road to feed the ducks we often would roam.

I come from a place where I would swing from my favourite tree,
when my parents couldn't find me, that's where my friends and I would be.

I come from a place where I remember at night,
catching lots of millers and playing 'spotlight'.

I come from a place where blueberries we'd pick,
my friends and I would eat them until we got sick.

I come from a place not too far away,
a place that is called the 'hub of the bay'.

Where I Come From…
By Melissa Gilbert

From the green grass and the blue sea
To the rocky beach and the smell of the salty air,
This is my community

From games of tag and hide-and-go-seek
To skating on the pond and swimming in the Deep Hole,
This is my childhood

From bright colourful flowers and the green shrubs
To the white barn with red trim and the wild animals that grace us
from time to time,
This is my back yard

From the barbeques and the meals outside
To the sun tanning and the games of volleyball,
This is my front yard

From the smell of home-baked bread and the taste of cooked dinner
To the smell of sawdust and the heat of a fire wood furnace,
This is my home

From my mother who loves to garden and my father who is a real sports man
To my sisters Angela, a listener, Tasha, a confidant and Holly, a compromiser,
This is my family

Where I Come From…
By April Gill

I come from a street leads into another
and a house that watches the sea.

I come from home cooked meals and cookies
made from scratch.

I come from line dried clothes and "Dirty Fridays".

I come from Eugene and Lorraine,
parents, laborers and role models.

I come from rainy days of the piano
and sunny days high up in the apple tree.

I come from a place I call home,
where memories are tucked into every comer.

Where I Come From…
By Tina Pike

I come from a place that was once surrounded by trees,
and a house that was enveloped in love.

I come from Helen Griffiths and Leonard Pike,
two of the most special people you will ever meet.

I come from one sister, three brothers, who I loved then,
but treasure more and more each day.

I come from homemade quilts, and my dog Dougie,
who usually slept at the foot of my bed.

I come from cabbage patch dolls, holly hobby furniture,
and wallpaper littered with the smurfs- especially papa smurf and smurfette.

I come from ballet lessons, which I despised,
and singing lessons, which I loved.

I come from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,
and lemon meringue pies on special occasions.

I come from pictures that are littered in old photo albums-
tucked away, that hold the memories of a childhood I will always cherish
and one that I will never forget!