SOUTHERN LIFE by Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Taking one of our little meanders off the usual path of mysteries and crime fiction, please make welcome Patricia Neely-Dorsey.

Patricia is a Meanderings and Muses visitor who figured out fairly quickly that I share her love of "things Southern," and was kind enough to share one of her poems with us. It's one which perfectly portrays some of the gracious simplicity we cherish about the south. And also seems quite appropriate as we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July.


Patricia Neely-Dorsey is a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. After living for almost 20 years in Memphis, Tennessee, working in the mental health field, she returned to her hometown in 2007. Her first book of poetry was published in February, 2008 (Grant House Publishers). Patricia currently lives in Tupelo with her husband James,son Henry,and Miniature Schnauzer, Happy. She is a proud, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,an avid reader and passionate writer.

Patricia's Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems is "a true celebration of the south and things southern." The author states, "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. In my book I try to show that there is much is more to Mississippi and the south than all of the negatives usually portrayed .I invite readers to Meet Mississippi (and the south) Through Poetry ,Prose and The Written Word."


SOUTHERN LIFE by Patricia Neely-Dorsey

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.
There'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
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
AUTHOR WEBSITE: www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com