Where I’m from
The state motto is: “Maine: the way life should be”
With its rocky coastline and its Appalachian mountains
With its thick green forest, its crystal clear spring water,
And its many beaches, lakes, and rivers
Where I’m from
We’re known for our lobster, chowders, steamed clams,
And any kind of seafood you crave
Plus, don’t forget our micro beers,
And our Whoopie pies, Needhams, rock candy!
And don’t forget our salt water taffy
Where I’m from
There’s canoeing down the Saco River
Or skiing down the slopes of Shawnee Peak
Or smelling the fresh salty air of Portland’s Old Port
Where I’m from
We have four seasons but our summers can be short
With hot and sticky humid weather
And nights filled with chirping frogs
With crisp cool air of fall that brings the foliage
Winters that can be brutally bitter cold and long
Then comes the spring with songs of birds
And the fragrant smells of blossoming flowers
Ayah . . . that’s where I’m from . . .
Shannon L. Nelson is from Gorham, Maine, and moved to New York in 2013. She describes herself as a wheelchair warrior, disability rights advocate, social justice activist, and animal lover. She is a student at OPEN DOORS. Her teacher is Dorothea Naouai and the site coordinator is Alex Eshelman. Shannon L. Nelson leads The Movement, an Instagram series for OPEN DOORS that spotlights past and present events in rights movements that deserve more attention.