Sample “I Am” PoemsBy Mr. Reckling

I AmYou see Kohl's, JC Penny, and plain colors, and ties.

I am filled with oatmeal, green tea, sauerkraut, and banana pancakes

I look people in the eye, I shake hands firmly, and I judge myself

We observe the summer and winter solstice

Guitar sounds resonate out my windows at night, and my hammer is loud

I am my Dad, my Mom, and my Dad all over again

I hear Bob Dylan’s words, but I want to write like Cormac McCarthy

My life moves to the plucking of strings

And my heart beats to the pulse of my children.

I AmI wear simple clothes. Nothing too expensive.

We eat organic, except for the ice cream, and pizza, and pierogis on the holidays.

I was taught not to blame anyone but myself--that I could do anything.

Thanksgiving used to be boring. Now I’m thankful for it.

I value my home and a job that makes me laugh every day.

My heroes are those who do more than me with less than me.

I can’t understand Miley Cyrus. Or the Kardashians. Maybe they’re “pretty famous.”

I like music that doesn’t use electricity. Just fingers, instruments, and voices.

When I grow up, I want my life to be filled with predicates.

I AMI wear windproof jackets, wool socks, SPF shirts, baseball hats, and jeans.

I used to eat Fruity Pebbles, but now just granola.

I want to make people smile. I want to ask questions. But I need to listen better.

I think Mothers’ Day is more important that my wife’s birthday.

Photographs, home videos, memories, and stories—all make up the flash drive of my life.

Military men and women—they are the strongest people on the planet with a million muscles.

Lebron James can dunk. But, politics aside, I’m more impressed with Obama.

I hear harmonies in my head. Voices’ sounds I’ll never make.

I went to Michigan State, but I cheer for Michigan. Either way I kind of win.