The South That Never Was

The South That Never Was . By Elton Camp A plantation, hundreds of slaves and a mansion so fine Is the usual image of the Old South that comes to mind But a situation like that picture was actually quite rare With no slave holding for three-fourths of whites there So for most whites, slavery didn’t help nor did it hurt They were farmers and most of them were poor as dirt But the horrible concept, most supported just the same Since those worse off than them they could then name They could dream of a life like a few planters enjoyed Riches and privilege where slave labor was employed A stereotyped version of the South some still believe But about their actual heritage that does badly deceive For if in a time machine they could manage to go back They’d find economic slaves though they weren’t black