Tag Archives: rural living

Cottonmouth

My girlfriend saw it first: against the railing that runs along the length of the back porch, a greyish shadow slipping from the steps, behind the potted plants toward the light. As it began to turn toward the back door … Continue reading

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Stretched at the Seams

I’m living in a small, rural town again. It may have a university campus smack dab in the middle of it, but face it: Natchitoches, Lousiana is not a center of urban sprawl. I’ve lived in small rural towns before. … Continue reading

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A Hillbilly Song

To you the distinction might sound a bit silly But I’m not a redneck, I’m an old hillbilly: Brought up on the green rolling range of the greater midwest. On 4H work projects and chores in the morning, long thunderstorms … Continue reading

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Hallows 1997

a remembrance The flames lick against the side of a rusted drum; Something rustles behind the apple trees, And a dog runs barking into the lowering dark, Joyously fierce as its sound echoes against The walnut stand along the creek. … Continue reading

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Town and Country

Town: I would to some far-flung county go except for the threat of winter snow and loss of things to occupy these tangent thoughts that fill my mind for in some quiet, rural place where you know every name, and … Continue reading

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Homestead Elegy: a quintilla

A quarter mile back down the lane paved with loose stone and bits of brick, past three tall trees that still remain after ten years almost the same, though at their bases weeds grow thick, a wood frame house, its … Continue reading

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Ballad of the Undertown

Now, Councilman Zeb Davis says that tourists are the way to save this town. Never mind the unemployment and the high school where the scores are going down. And the factories that close? That’s an element we just don’t need … Continue reading

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