The Good Life

Running the 95 from Jacksonville to Richmond On a Sunday afternoon in June The thermometer and the road signs read the same Sunny and hot, the miles were winding away When the gas tank and the hour called for a pit stop Down the ramp we went to Small Town South, USA The sign said BP and Old Time Diner, half mile away I fed the car first and then snuck across the two lane The Old Time Diner was not much to look at The wife was not enthusiastic about the place However, the boy and I were hungry Chicken was fried, pork was smoked, beef was slow cooked And smothered in gravy, collards were sweet, lima beans, Corn on the cob, biscuits warm, corn bread, banana pudding Can you smell it? Can you see it? Can you taste it? The patrons were plentiful, the waitstaff was old A sound track of greatest hymns serenaded us I sang along as I know each one The boy chastised my singing, but with a smile It’s a joyous meal, I’ve had better vittles And certainly, dined in more upscale venues Never enjoyed a meal more! For almost an hour I fed my belly and my soul I was witness to America and her people This was the America I know and love The America that is everywhere, and yet Remains hidden to the ones who would deign not To stop at The Old Time Diner, Small Town South, USA