Notes About The Poem
Fair Winds & Following Seas my beloved husband ~

Appalachian Homecoming

You were born here,
Blue Ridge foothills,
spirits of Cherokee in 
Appalachia's olden heart and veins.
Scots-Irish influence of beloved
bluegrass,
moonshine of the drinking kind.

Your parents weren't the responsible
type,
as you and your three sisters spent
your childhoods in foster care and were
once left with your mother's cruel friend
for two years,
you went through so much.
Your single grandmother Robbie
did the best she could,
a beautician on her feet all day.
Her white farmhouse with no
indoor bathroom,
and an outhouse in the yard.
She fried okra better than anyone,
grew an acre of tobacco.

You were living in Texas,
joined the Navy at nineteen,
and it became your home.
We met within its ranks,
survivors of child abuse.
We wed, weren't wealthy.
We raised our daughter after
returning to your hometown.
You walked her down the aisle,
and treasured our son-in-law,
and grandchildren too.

You passed at the age of
fifty-nine,
interred by a gentle stream
in the Veterans Cemetery,
where someday I'll also be.
Appalachian Homecoming,
as banjos and dulcimers play softly. ~
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kerr Avatar
November 28, 2023 at 3:27 AM
Emotions of the most edifying kind flow through this heartfelt work, Regina. Well done Howard
Elliott Avatar
November 28, 2023 at 8:07 AM
With gratitude, Howard, you're very thoughtful. Have a grand week full of writing prompts. All the best. ~
Legros Kelley Avatar
November 21, 2023 at 3:26 PM
Sad, but, oh so incredibly beautiful Regina. My heart hurts after reading this. I feel a well of tears ready to break through. Your beautiful, sweet pen played such homage to your husband (and you!). May he rest in peace. Tears and hugs Regina. <3
Elliott Avatar
November 22, 2023 at 6:07 AM
My deepest gratitude, Bj, you're so kind and thoughtful. Have a blessed Thanksgiving filled with warmth and family. ~
Rodrigues Avatar
November 21, 2023 at 7:55 AM
Such a sad ending, poignant in its history and overcoming in its family life! Wonderful!
Elliott Avatar
November 22, 2023 at 6:09 AM
My deepest thanks, Kim. Have a Thanksgiving Day full of warmth and family.
Kauffman Avatar
November 20, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Regina, what can I say about this amazing tribute to your husband that leaves its plaintive Appalachian melody of "banjos and dulcimers" in my heart. You have so wonderfully captured the spirit of Appalachia, the fried okra, the white house, the outhouse and the sadness of the region, and your husband's childhood, that hangs like morning mist in the valleys and hollers. This is hauntingly beautiful and sad. Thank you for sharing this expression of your love. Thanksgiving blessings to you!
Elliott Avatar
November 20, 2023 at 3:30 PM
What a caring and lovely comment, Sam, my deepest thanks. My warmest wishes for you & your family's Thanksgiving Day.
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