Thursday, October 2, 2008

Appalachian Poets






Brenda Kay Ledford and Glenda Barrett


For thought-provoking poetry from a Netwest poet, click on:Breath and Shadow and read three poems by Glenda Barrett.

She and Brenda Kay Ledford will sign their poetry chapbooks recently published by Finishing Line Press, at Phillips and Lloyd Books on the square in Hayesville, NC Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 AM.

In both Ledford's Sacred Fire and Barrett's When the Sap Rises, pure Appalachian voices rise and reach out to the reader.

On Saturday, November 1, 10:00 AM - 12:00 pm, Brenda Kay Ledford will hold a book signing for Sacred Fire at Mountain Regional Library on Main Street in Young Harrris, GA.

This poem is from Sacred Fire by Brenda Kay Ledford.

Progress

You know the old logging road,
the one behind the red house,
the one winding past Mama's garden
where morning glories climb the corn;
and you know the path reeks
with trash and broken pines weep
where the loggers butchered trees.

And a mourning dove moans
from the spring where you drew
water for tea and light oozes
through the black gum like bile
as the shadow of a crow passes
over trillium that will soon fade
away like all of us.

You know the Shewbird Mountain
quivers beneath the Thunder Moon
as the mining company
creeps up the mountain
to grind her bones into dust.

5 comments:

  1. I just loved it-so moving and so real for our area.

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  2. Glenda,
    Thank you. Although this is another rueful reminder that the very earth that we love is vanishing, I think all creative folks have a duty to note and lament this passing. Now, when I see the mountains, the leaves changing, or a chance sighting of
    wild life, I am aware that I may be seeing something that will not be here much longer.
    Gary

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  3. I was raised a city boy, but between our subdivision and the river were "the Woods," a favorite place for neighborhood kids to play. It is now a condominium complex. And we call it progress.

    Richard

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  4. Two of my favorite poets. So sorry that I missed the signing. Seems life is blithely slipping by these days.
    Hugs of congratulation to Glenda and Brenda for honoring our heritage and passing it on. Pat Workman

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have to add my accolade to the others. Why have so many become desensitized? Brava, friend.
    Joan Cannon

    ReplyDelete

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