On Winged Feet

gins, and nine generations from its European origins. The core family still resides in Western North Carolina. Bill Turner has ably described the Appalachian black families: "To know about them is to know about triumph over invisibility and the ways to overcome insurmountable odds. It is to know a history that is woven, quiltlike, over a social fabric where poverty and the exploitation of people and resources is a common theme. It is the observation, reflection and a celebration of a people's history deeply imbedded in strong loyalty , discipline and the knowledge that while there were others 'better off,' that didn't mean they were 'better than'; and that, with faith and hard work, you'd do better." Those who survived—who lived their lives, raised their children—are the invisible ones, but are no less important than those who have gone on to excel in American culture, for it is the average persons who are the keepers of the culture. On Winged Feet On winged feet we hasten through the shortest way to home. We hush our voices, cease our play ever mindful not to stray from path, or touch a stone. Through sunlight beams we hurry, eyes averted— straight ahead; We tiptoe through the graveyard, We must not disturb the dead! -Willie Hardison Eckles 13 ...