Tuesday, November 12, 2013

I'm From Appalachia










I’m from Appalachia where the mountains are home
And the land is pregnant with age old meaning
The gardens are planted by the wisdom of the signs
The corn grows tall with jointed stalks bending

Fresh winds sweep across these ancient hills
 The echoes evoke like fragrant honeysuckle vine
The stars are more nearer and the sun shines brighter
On those old familiar pathways that were left behind

One can never know what lies beyond a hilltop
Clothes on clotheslines blowing in the wind
That dear, sweet voice calling, come to supper
Gathering around the table, where love is akin

Learning very early how to cook, can and preserve
From the rich earth that many wise have laid feet upon
Given freely and worth more than wealth of money
Such joy, knowing that now it has become my own

Such a rich heritage passed down through the years
Sweet as the apples, pears and each juicy plum
A way of life that no one can ever lose, take or break
Fine as that childhood wagon made from a black gum

And those spirit-filled churches, oh what joy to be had
Plenty of preaching and shouting echoes across time
Age old faith handed down through the generations
God surely did design it all with his grace in mind

 Wonders never cease across this beautiful Blue Ridge
The water runs crystal, clear down every hill and trail
Sweet as molasses from sugar cane stripped at the mill
Such a treat and humbly I accept, this life is so swell

These mountains I call home just beyond the horizon
My spirit dwells and in tranquil peace does shine
I will plant it firmly for those who follow after
In hopes they’ll never leave the chimney smoke behind

© Susie Swanson, 2013

If you would like a copy of my New Book, "Echoes Of Time" the info is at the top on the right. Many thanks in advance.

18 comments:

  1. Very sweet poem, Susie. Those memories stay with us, don't they.

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  2. Such a lovely poem. Those mountains must be very special for you to be able to write such beautiful poetry for them. God Bless.

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  3. Susie,
    It sounds like a special place where you used to live. I liked the part where you learned to cook early and the dear, sweet voice calling you to supper. That is such a beautiful way to think of your mother. Your words are always like a gust of wind blowing my way, reassuring me that "all is right with the world."

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  4. Susie, your poems give me a glimpse of what your state is like. I find a lot of things are the same here. I think I would feel at home there.

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    1. Thank you Charlotte. I know you'd feel at home here and I would love to visit your state sometime.

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  5. Susie,
    This is a wonderful poem. You've captured the spirit of Appalachian well. I enjoyed this poem very much. Blanche and I are also enjoying very much reading your new book.

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    1. Thank you Brenda. I'm so glad you both are enjoying it.

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  6. Susie, I wish...I wish, I could hear that dear sweet voice calling me and my siblings to supper like when we were young.....you know your poems are sometimes talking about my life too. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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    1. Awww, thank you Susie. I'm glad we share the same memories and I wish I could hear that voice again too. Blessings to you.

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  7. This is such a lovely poem Susie, and it rings so true for me..."wonders never cease across this beautiful Blue Ridge"...so very true!

    Thanks for the book, I am really enjoying it! Job well done my friend. Hugs to you:)

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    1. Awww, thank you so much. I'm so glad you're enjoying it and I'm honored to share it with you. Hugs to you.

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