A response to “Mountain Preachers Walking the Path of the Sacred” https://lexpomo.com/poem/mountain-preachers-walking-the-path-of-the-sacred/

I have struggled with the sense
of Appalachian pride
in things that have brought us low.

We can all agree-
the mountains are beautiful,
the creek should run clear.

Gritty and complicated,
our lives can fall to despair
or soar in our lofty joy.

Coal, tobacco, corn liquor,
ignorance and prejudice,
children that fend for themselves.

Cold sweet well water,
and steaming cat head biscuits,
homemade berry jam.

Sitting around the back porch,
radio crackling a tune,
snapping a mess of green beans.

There is culture here –
wisdom and mysticism,
a verse to stop blood.

Strength, passion and stubbornness
are mountain traits we all share-
let’s move forward together.