Mountain People

A strong Appalachian past

a history that so fast becomes today.

The generations before

though most of them were poor

found a way to love and laugh anyway.

Thankful for what they had

it didn't seem so bad this life of theirs.

Their family had food to eat 

and their hearts a gospel beat,

and as their toes tapped, up to heaven, they sent prayers.

The gentle mountain breeze

that flowed through the trees

blew upon the ones who came before.

They struggled and survived it, 

worked the land and thrived on it

so their children could have so much more.

A strong stock of people

still met under the steeple

to praise the one who had helped them again.

And on every Sunday morning,

through the window without warning,

you'd hear a "hallelujah" and "amen".

The mountains grew them

and the Lord, he knew them

and the streams watered them with love.

And deep roots it gave them

that time and again had saved them

and gave them something special to be proud of. 

For in their hearts it doesn't matter

though today most are scattered

around the world they will never forget.

That the ones who cleared the way

for those of us today,

did it with love and no regret.

So you Appalachian folk

continue to carry the yolk

of your loved ones who came before.

For they gave all they possessed

so you could feel so blessed

never forget you are them at the core.