Daughter of the Hills

She’s a daughter of those West Virginia hills. Each morning she comes down from the holler, And catches the bus going to another county. She goes to a fancy, newly consolidated school Some of the teachers think she’s a slow learner Her shyness punctuated by a bothersome lisp, On the playground, however, she’s in demand For her slow pitch is even better than grand, With each strikeout her whistle is low and crisp She convinces her skeptics; she’s a page turner, And she knows the meaning of The Golden Rule. Not given to girlish ways, she’ll never be dainty In the face of adversity, no youngster is calmer, She’s a daughter of those West Virginia hills.
written January 26, 2022 [my unique Reverse Rhyme abcdef gg fedcba]
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Krutsinger Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 11:02 AM
This is a marvelous character sketch, showing a multitude of sides to this woman.
Hankins Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 11:42 AM
She is a page-turner, indeed! She will be successful in whatever she chooses to do in life, because that is the way of a West Virginia hills woman!
Lawless Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 5:32 AM
Beautifully told story Milton and a unique rhyme scheme
Hankins Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 8:17 AM
I appreciate your thoughts and your compliment, John. Hope you're having a wonderful day!
Rodrigues Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 4:45 AM
With strength and a slow pitch she wins hearts, the daughter of those West Virginia Hills! The rolling of those hills is beautiful. We spent one night in a hotel there…like a magical fairyland to wake up to. Wonderful, Milton!
Hankins Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 8:18 AM
Thanks so much, Kim, for your warm thoughts and your experience of staying in the hills. I grew up in the WV hills, and it will always be my home.
Gentile Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 4:23 AM
Milt, you have so perfectly crafted the image of this girl, that I feel like I know her! People are so different and so complex depending in part from the influences which helped shape them! Well done!!
Hankins Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 8:19 AM
Mike, thanks so much for your thoughtful, kind comment on my poem. I'm a product of those WV hills myself and it will always be home to me.
Cunningham Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 11:40 PM
What they lack in some areas they excel in others, love the form Milton, looks tricky. Tom
Hankins Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 8:25 AM
Thanks, Tom. As you know, I frequently use this form which seemed to come to me quite naturally. In fact, I was using it even before I realized what I was doing. Lately, I've been trying to develop it.
Roper Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 10:29 PM
Sometimes a unique person my lack , but exceeds in other areas. My grand-girl is not only great at slow pitch, but also beautiful at 15. Great story, Milton.
Hankins Avatar
January 27, 2022 at 8:26 AM
Thank you, Eve. Sounds like a fine young lady to me.
Buehler Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 8:14 PM
This beautiful, moving portrait of a daughter of the hills, was written with eloquence and feeling. The reverse rhyme form is also intriguing. :)
Hankins Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 9:33 PM
Thanks so much, Evelyn. I appreciated your visit and your read.
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