community
ordinary folks
living their lives
surrounded by hills and fields
part of
rolling foothills
of appalachian mountains.
appalachia
can conjur up mind pictures
of
sagging roofs
mattress and couch
springs exposed
crowding porch
rusted autos
cluttering the landscape
hungry mangy dogs
eying passers-by suspiciously
as do their owners
but appalachia
is much more
it's a small town
with farmers and coalminers
a small but thriving hospital
a family owned grocery store
appalachia
is
a parade an hour long
princesses
a band
firetrucks
floats proudly proclaiming
God and small town
(and disney)
(and disney)
it's
a pumpkin festival
a gathering of friends and neighbors
mingling with visitors
reunions of high school mates
home first time in years
it's
a celebration
of
fall and harvest
of
God and His blessings
of sweat and toil
hands stained with the earth
knees peaking through ancient jeans
suspenders
ball caps
t-shirts
work boots
tables full of bounty
from the garden
and the kitchen
life in a small town world
I left it, but it never left me
this is home
i'm proud to be from appalachia
and small town america
God has blessed me
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands
Serve the Lord with gladness . . .
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves . .
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving . .
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;
and his truth endureth to all generations.
From Psalms 100
Part of imperfect prose on thursdays
also my Psalm Friday
Blessings as you end this set of week days
and enter into your weekend.
I've never seen such huge pumpkins ... looks like a great event.
ReplyDeletei enjoyed this post. i like the pumpkin tree, and i like the porch decorations. fun :-)
ReplyDeleteEnter into his gates with thanksgiving...
thanks for the verse.
I "found you" at Glenda's...just in time to see the giant pumpkins - and white ones at that!
ReplyDeleteI've lived most of my 61 years in small town -- apparently smaller than the one in which you grew up. They have their charms.
Seeing your porch decorations confirmed my inner- autumn yearnings.
I love small town festivals!
ReplyDeleteThis is so good. I especially like:
ReplyDelete"it's
a celebration
of
fall and harvest
of
God and His blessings
of sweat and toil
hands stained with the earth
knees peaking through ancient jeans
Well done. Makes me want to live in a small town again.
It all looks so welcoming and warm. You've done a wonderful job sharing your hometown.
ReplyDeleteoh, gorgeous, friend. you capture the heart of home. now i want to visit. you write so well. thank you for this offering. xo
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to take a long, casual trip through the Appalachians for years and years. Drive through, meet people, SEE what I've always heard about and get a hand on the reality, since I've never been in that part of the country.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to see all the enjoyment before my eyes, and nearly be able to hear all the fun, too.
Maybe someday....
This if one of my favorite pieces you've written, Beth! I'm drawn to small-town stories and descriptions of everyday life in close-knit, hard-working communities!
ReplyDelete