Appalachian Strong

 

Art by Grayson L. Manning, 2024.

A year ago, the creek rose

Washing away our cities and towns.

The scars it left on the land are still visible, but the scars it left on our souls are unmeasurable. 

 

A year ago, the river raged.

Leaving behind a collective PTSD.

But this is not the whole story. It's not who we are.

We are mule trains carrying supplies across mountain passes,

We are neighbors digging neighbor's out of the mud,

We are churches acting as distribution centers,

We are feeding people for free in store parking lots.

A year ago our world flooded, changing our region forever.

They say, "God willing and the creek don't rise" well it rose and we fucking survived! Because WE are Appalachian strong!!!