Why You Should Love the South

SOUTHERN LIFE


If you want a glimpse of Southern life,


Come close and walk with me;


I'll tell you all the simple things,


That you are sure to see.


You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,


Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,


Caterpillars on the step,


Wooden porches cleanly swept;


Watermelons on the vine,


Strong majestic Georgia pines;


Rocking chairs and front yard swings,


Junebugs flying on a string;


Turnip greens and hot cornbread,


Coleslaw and barbecue;


Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,


Fried pies and pickles too.


There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,


And cool, green grass beneath your feet;


Catfish nipping in the lake,


And fresh young boys on the make.


You'll see all these things


And much, much more,


In a way of life that I adore.



Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems