BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/books.asp
$15
My name is Patricia Neely-Dorsey. I am from Tupelo, mS. I have just recently published a book of poetry entitled Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems. It is a true clebration of hte south and things southern. There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. I want to show a flip side of the coin.
There is much to love about this much maligned and misunderstood part of our country. In my book, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life.

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 blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
Ther's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

SOUTHERN MAN
There's nothing like a Southern man,
He's a man that you should know;
He's one to whom you'll find no equal,
Anywhere you go.
He has a sweet molasses talk
And a slow, smooth gliding walk.
He's got strong, firm hands to let you know,
Real work is nothing new;
He has no problem with the fact,
That he should provide for you.
There are certain kinds of values
This man is sure to hold
His love of home and family
Is sure to not grow cold.
He'll deeply love his mother
It's a bond that's always there
All throughout his life, this man
Will show her tender care.
He's one that you can count on,
To do the manly things;
He'll change the tire and check the oil,
And fix the backyard swing.
But, underneath a tough exterior,
A gentle soul lies, too;
He's one who'll rock the baby,
And even cook a meal for you,
On Sundays, he'll sit beside you singing,
On the same church pew.
There's nothing like a Southern man,
He's a rare and special kind;
If you look forever, anywhere,
He's the best you'll ever find
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

LET'S
Let's go for a ride in the countryside,
And make lots of stops along the way;
Let's soak in all the warm sunshine,
And create a perfect day.
Let's stop at someone's roadside stand,
And maybe buy some fruit;
Let's pretend it's some great find,
Just like a pirate's loot.
Let's go inside a country store,
And have some bologna cut;
Let's sit outside and eat our fare,
Like some treasure from King Tut.
Let's always enjoy life's simple things,
And to their full extent;
Let's always spend these kinds of times,
And make it our intent.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey