Here is my customized version of George Ella Lyon's Where I'm From. When possible, I've given you some notes and helpers to figure out how to craft your version to match Lyon's version most completely.
This is mine This is the framework
I am from plumbers and upholstery I'm from [some sort of reminder of a relative's work] and [same as before]
from pipe fittings and brass tacks. from [hardware or fluids that go with the profession] and [ditto]
I am from shell piles in my grandparents’ woods I am from [some sort of dirt that you used to play in at your family's house]
(old, crumbling, (how the dirt smelled,
reminded me of another time.) or tasted, etc.)
I am from lilac bush, I am from [plants, trees,
the pine in the 29-acre wood and/or bushes from your family's house
whose trunk heard my endless pondering. and how you connected with them].
I’m from Guinness and sauerkraut, I'm from [things that remind you of your parents or grandparents]
from Jack and Joyce. parents' or grandparents' names
I’m from the talky talkers I'm from [actions that remind you of your parents or grandparents]
and the journal writers,
I’m from Igits! and Look At Me! I'm from [things you've heard these people say]
I’m from Catholic guilt without I'm from [ways your family deals with the world]
Confession to get rid of it,
but I carry it around forever.
I’m from Sandwich and Strong, I'm from [meaningful hometowns from your childhood]
fried clams and bean-hole beans. [foods from those places]
From Dad’s Vietnam War Draft 4F because of From [some sort of physical or psychological ailment from your folks]
less-than-perfect feet,
the ego blow my mother took from Northeastern’s Organic Chem.
Around me were stories of This stanza has to do with things your family did before you were
people who came before, born that you feel define them - and as a result, define you.
their candle-illumined tree behind closed doors on Christmas Eve
her brush with Pops fame
his bugle blowing times
her marches along the road to the ski slope
I am from those adventures –
experienced before I started here –
apple who landed so close to these cherished trees.