A Spotted Pigeon's Dream

slandered them. Why have Appalachians, he asked, enjoyed Li'l Abner and the Beverly Hillbillies? Best suggested then that Appalachians readily see through the stereotypes, beyond the never-never land of Dogpatch, toward what Capp was really trying to do—to criticize American society as a whole. No intelligent person, we think, could really believe in such a place or such persons. Appalachians, in fact, alone of the American ethnic groups, Best suggests, usually "go along" with the fierce charac-terization with toleration and a really unusual sense of humor. A Spotted Pigeon's Dream From high atop an eave I chanced to see A speck of white upon the cobbled walk, Whose coo did float e'er gently 'mong the trees And made my heart dwell in fondest thought. Could my downward sweep match such debonair If I were to flit to yonder pinoak, Or from darkest eyes could I woo a stare If I in plume should dare a shy approach? In dappled shade we strode the lilac groves Beyond the garden along the winding rill, Wiled our way through enchanted secret coves, Glanced in lull at the fountain's glinting spill. With stately step and voice of ardent bard I promised for us time come year, come year, And many a walk about the old courtyard. But, alas, the tower tolls, the day be near. For my maiden fades with earliest light, Known only to the thoughts of sweetest sleep. So returned my dove to the quiet night, And I unto my rest upon the eave. —McKenzie P. Ison 19 ...