We don’t have half enough poetry on The Corner. Here is a

contribution from a reader who has been moved by my sentimental affinity for

the Heart of Dixie. I have no idea who wrote it (not the reader, he says):

Alabama Love Poem

Laurie Lee done fell in love;

She planned to marry Joe.

She was so happy ’bout it all

She told her Pappy so.

Pappy told her, “Laurie gal,

You’ll have to find another.

I’d just as soon yer Ma don’t know,

But Joe is yer half brother”

So Laurie put aside her Joe

And planned to marry Will.

But after telling Pappy this,

He said, “There’s trouble still…

You cannot marry Will, my gal.,

And please don’t tell yer Mother,

But Will and Joe and several mo’

I know is yer half brother”

But Mama knew and said, “My child,

Just do what makes you happy.

Marry Will or marry Joe.

You ain’t no kin to Pappy.