THE GREAT AMERICAN LOCAL POEM GENEALOGY CHALLENGE!

In the mid to late 19th century every region of America boasted of one or
more poets whose works reflected local history and folklore. Chances are that our
had read some of those poems during the course of their lives.

So, my challenge to my readers is this:

1. Find a poem by a local poet, famous or obscure, from the region one of
your ancestors lived in. It can be about an historical event, a legend, a
person, or even about some place (like a river)or a local animal.

2. Post the poem to your blog (remembering to cite the source where you found it.)

3. Did it inspire you to research the subject of the poem and how it relates to your
ancestor?

4.Submit your post’s link here to me by November 22nd and I’ll publish all the entries
on Thanksgiving Day!

My poem I chose was written by Patricia Neely-Dorsey.  Her thoughts about the South brought back many memories to me. She is from the Tupelo area where I was born, next door in Booneville, MS.  She has also lived in Memphis, where I am now.  I would like to share her poem,

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 hotcornbread,
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

Learn more about her works HERE