APPALACHIA (APP-a-LATCH-a)

Perhaps you think I’m arrogant     a braggart

prowess overblown

Rowan oak

lady-slipper and laden bough

my progeny     I offer

my perfect seed

my leeward caverns

and vibrant streams

for your survival

 

I am Whitehead and Flynn

Celo    Black    Bearwallow    Roan    and Bald

I’m haven and homestead     hollowed

holy ground

A thousand names I’ve been called

 

For ages I have sheltered you

within unplundered ground

you who are  prospectors of lost purpose

 

 

Jean Cassidy  2010

Photo Credit: Qualla Boundary by Erdu-Estremera