I Am Appalachia

/ Am Appâlachia I am Appâlachia These mountains and I are one As the tree-covered slopes strive to touch the heavens so does my spirit strive for freedom from these bonds in which society has placed me. My spirit cries for recognition for a place and a glory all its own. It reaches out to others in far-away places and instread of a warm welcome it gets laughed at and mockedbecause it likes the old ways of life better than the new; and trusts time-tested traditions more than new-fangled inventions; because its people are plain, ever'day folk who are content to live life at a leisurely pace and love every precious moment of it. Yes, these are my people my mountains, my valleys my animals, and wildflowers. I am one with the wind and the fire and the rain I am Appâlachia God is my father; I am His child And curse the man who won't let me be what He would have me be. -----Charlene Reynolds Charlene Reynolds is a freshman at Alice Lloyd College. She works fot Appalachian Heritage and lives at Pippa Passes, Kentucky. 3 ...