MAGNOLIA JOURNEY
By: Wayne Brown
Big Ol’ Muddy winds its way down your western flank
A broad expanse of water rolling between high banks
It’s a big ol’ river full of currents and all kinds of haunts
Working its way down to the Gulf any way that it wants
Rolling hills of green; brown pine needles on the ground
Tall green pine trees dot the horizon for miles all around
Kudzu vine grows and consume all things that it touches
Its leaves are hanging all about in large verdant bunches
The sweet smell of honey-suckle wafts on the summer wind
Blackberry-laden thickets grow its succulent fruit once again
Little Hummingbirds fly about from flower to beautiful flower
Summer’s green corn awaits the coming of an evening shower
Fall’s white cotton crop is coming up on stalks so leafy green
The rows so long and straight mark a true farmer’s preen
The corn, hay, and the soybeans growing in fields all around
The ever present signs of the many farmers to this ground
Rivers, creeks, and ponds full of bass, bream, and catfish
Each and every one a fine addition to any southern dish
Fried chicken, creamy hominy grits and brown tomato gravy
Add up to some fine southern food, fattening; ever so savory
The one and only home of the music called delta blues
The first home of Elvis and his famous blue-suede shoes
So many of them are famous, that is ever so very true
I dare not name them all but let’s just dare listing a few
Jimmy Buffett, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, and Bo Didley
Morgan Freeman, Walter Payton, and Oprah Winfrey
William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and Eudora Welty
All and more came out of Mississippi, or so they tell me
A familiar aroma of White Magnolia fills the southern air
Reminding one of a land and time ever so dear and rare
A friendly handshake; a smile; an extended helping hand
Are easily found in this dear, deep southern country land
There are so many wonderful things and so much to see
Each conjuring up some old yesterday or a faint memory
Though time has passed and I have roamed far and near
A magnolia journey tells me; part of me will always be here
©Copyright WBrown2012. All Rights Reserved.
25 May 2012