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
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
