Jeannine Ouellette

Where I'm From · Apr 21, 2026 · 45m

Where I’m From #33

By Jeannine Ouellette

Inspired by George Ella Lyon

Fine Woven

I am from overflowing ashtrays, from store-brand cereal and late payments.

I am from steep wooden stairs (rickety, paint flaking, slats of sunlight nourishing the

chickweed).

I am from the ancient volcanic rock, the clear, rolling creeks, both tumbling incessantly

toward Lake Superior, whose cold waters and ocean-sized waves pulse through my

veins like blood.

I’m from democrats and foremen, from Georganne and Alice-Adelle. I’m from chain-

smoking and Johnny Carson, from “Go out and play” and “Get out of my…