Long Neely Poems

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.
...

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SHELLING PEAS 
 It's summertime in the country, 
 And the kids buzz around like bees; 
 But, when that silver tub is placed on the porch, 
 It's time for shelling peas. 
 From...

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BAPTISMAL SUNDAY
 Sometimes in the country church,
 When they had no baptismal pool,
 Baptizing in a neighbor's pond,
 Was oftentimes the rule.
 They'd gather all the candidates,
 From all the months gone by,
 Those who'd...

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SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT
 When you visit your favorite soul food spot,
 Along with your faithful friends,
 What you'll eat any given day,
 On your tastes it all depends.
 The selections are quite varied
 And the...

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YOU AIN'T COUNTRY
 If you've never...
 Swept the front yard (No, not the porch but the yard),
 Played under the porch (Yes, under)
 Intentionally eaten dirt
 (Not just any dirt, mind you, that good ole
...

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I know a secret Neely told me, no lie.
Don’t tell me, I cautioned her. It could make you die.
She followed me around all that day and the next.
I gave her the cootchie eye, and a...

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IF MISSISSIPPI"S IN YOU 
 If Mississippi's in you 
 It'll always be that way;
 It matters not how far you 
 Or how long you stay.
 If Mississippi's in you,
 It always plays a...

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SOUTHERN LIFE
 If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
 Come close and walk with me;
 I'll tell you all the simple things,
 That you are sure to see.
 You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
 Magnolia...

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PREACHING SUNDAY
 In the old country church,
 Preaching Sunday was quite a big deal;
 In just a few words, I’ll give you a feel.
 White gloved ushers monitor each bench and pew,
 Wearing uniforms starched...

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MAKING CRACKLINGS (Pork Rinds) (Skins)
 First, you have to kill a hog,
 Then, carefully take off the skin;
 Cut it up in little squares,
 And then the fun begins.
 Take a big, black iron pot,
...

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MEET MY MISSISSIPPI
 Faulkner's Sanctuary
 Eudora's home state
 Elvis' birthplace
 The bulk of the Trace;
 Sprawling beaches
 Along the Gulf Coast shore
 One blues man's crossroads
 And inspiration for more;
 An abundance of history
 Tradition...

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MISSISSIPPI
 In the heart of Dixie,
 Perfumed by
 The sweet, fragrant smell of magnolias
 and serenaded with
 The melodious songs of the mockingbird,
 Lies a true Queen of the South.
 Her name is Mississippi .
...

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Somebody's always singing
 Them Monday Morning blues songs
 Them sho' nuff done me wrong songs
 Them stayed out all night long songs
 Them moaning, groaning love songs
 Them bear your heart and soul songs
 Them...

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SOUTHERNERS REMEMBER
 Southern folks remember when
 All of the stores in town 
 (except maybe a few gas stations )
 Closed on Sundays...
 Everyone went to church 
 And the preacher was always invited 
...

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