Hog Killing Time

HOG KILLING TIME There's a chill in the air And holidays are near, Thanksgiving's just 'round the bend; There's a feeling amongst country folks That's absolute prime, Everyone senses it's hog killing time. Oh what a spectacle! Oh what a show! You'll find nothing like it, If you look high and low. From sunup to sundown, It lasts the whole day; And once it gets started, Horses couldn't pull you away. Everyone has his own part to do, With all the commotion, It feels like a zoo. The poor victim for this occasion Has long been picked out, And soon will become food, From his tail to his snout. There's a shot and a squeal And he's out for the count; A cut of the throat, And blood spews like a fount. In a barrel of hot water, He's cleaned and de-haired; Amongst all the men, This giant task is shared. A skillful knife separates all parts of meat, Including pig ears, pig tail, land pig feet. The women's task is always chittlin's to make. There's a boatload of goo and muck They must rake. When night time falls, All surround the black pot; Where the oil is bubbling, And boy is it hot! Pieces of skin are stirred with a surge, And after some time, Crisp cracklings emerge. Sweet potatoes are roasted, Right in the fire; And of these simple treats, No one ever does tire. When it's all finally over , And the day is all done; The grown-ups are weary, But the kids just had fun. Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia #southern #southernlife #southernfood #southernculture #southernfoodpoems #countrylife