Southern Grace

We’ve endured much in our Time
but come a long way nonetheless.

Been labeled

“Yankees” by
the backside of History;
( Rebel is innately ingrained )

Now, ‘Darlin’,
‘Sweetheart’, ‘Honey’
by the 'Golden Boy's Club'

and ill-bred women.

But our undergarments
are not for display – these
“Unmentionables” that
corset the heart tightly
against our breast;

keep it safe against the onslaught
of de-classified briefs who aren’t
so subtle in nylon or polyester;

Their apples rolling about
bruised, aging quickly
from alcoholic lives
of betrayal and infidelity.

Because down South
that’s what we're taught:
to recognize the miserably
bitter by action and word.

We nevah reciprocate
except to demurely smile
while strollin' on down that
garden path, umbrella
a twirlin' in hand.

Because it's not a matter
of competition, but class;
takin' it to the mattresses
Su'thun Belle style:

eschewing battles
while winnin' the wah.

After all, do you really ca'yah
eny'thin' 'bout seein' anutha's
dirty undahwe'yah?
~