Heart of Appalachia
Somewhere nestled in the foothills of
some Blue Ridge Mountain town,
Live a people, plain and simple,
and yet, utterly profound.
If you take the silent, sacred, scenic skyline drive,
dare to go no faster than a snail's pace thirty-five,
One single car may pass you, or maybe even two,
don't blink, or you might miss the bliss
of a wandering, winding view.
Under steel bridges, the oldest river, ironically named the New,
beckons those who fish to float adrift in rented paddle canoes.
Forests whisper where hikers with their mother nature commune
across creek worn paths ascending towards waterfall lagoons.
In town, steeples sleep like peeping pearls just lazily a napping
while stars and stripes, breeze unfurled, bust bravely a flapping.
Down Mainstreet, picket-fenced cottages call to willingly invite
to porch swing chats, long lasting into gazing starry nights.
Beyond the tiny post office in an age worn, old brick schoolhouse,
the seniors circle their rockers,
passing fond memories round about.
A Sic Semper Tyrannis flag, fielded on deep blue,
salutes each born Virginian, both the oldest and the new.
All friends and all family, all kin by divine right,
all neighbors yearn to spin away,
their small talk yarn delights.
Garden clubs chatter on the library lawn, books free for everyone,
as poets read their daydreams beneath the noonday sun.
Where Grandpas take sons fishing for bass and rainbow trout
while grandmas get their baskets and preserving canners out
to win apple pie blue ribbons at the local farmer's fair
where patchwork quilts hang boasting each needlecrafter's care.
In the distance one hears echoes of a church bell's woeful ringing
while pews of sabbath choirs, join in boisterous soulful singing,
"Home of the brave, and blessed land of the forever free,
let the blood of my Savior wash clean down over me."
No other place can soothe the heart like my Appalachian home
where kind people find each other and no longer want to roam,
because their gathering shines their hopes of another glorious day
celebrating a pleasant peace in their Small Town, U.S.A.
~P.S. Colley~
Dedicated to the people of Pembroke, Virginia
c. 2025
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