SLEEPY TOWN DOWN SOUTH

It's a small, sleepy, town down south where people talk with mush in their mouth and y'all is something they say repeatedly. Lazy streets and byways, no highways, no billboard signs, of any kind, nothing to tell why it's eyed with pride by those who reside in this countryside.

Ancient trees, Spanish moss waving in the breeze. Birds fill the air with symphonies, showers of flowers everywhere. A town so small passersby never see bees pollinating lilac trees. Glorious greenery, unblemished scenery. Well kept rows of bungalows, dancing, drying just washed clothes. Come see what the garden grows.

Folks talk soft, walk slow, say hello and how-dee-doo with a smile while they pass by. Church bells remind folks to pray. A town clock tells the time of day.

Pets galore. More and more. Dogs on leash or running free. Cats sleep in the sun or climb a tree. A canary sings a melody. A saloon old men go to now and then. A barbershop where gossips meet to air biased views. A weekly that prints just good news. A jail that's rarely occupied. A statue of some guy who died for a cause none can decide.

A town banker who denies he cooks the books. Everybody knows he lies. A mayor short on brains, good with gift of gab, likes to blab. Laws voters disobey, but don't reject. That would be a sign of disrespect. A town cop who stops cars passing by. They know why. They pay, go on their way. Preachers break their holy vow, preach the good book anyhow.

These things happen in the town. Y'all don't spread that around. Town's not perfect, what town is? Had its share of immorality, infidelity, mortal sin. Nobody talks about, nobody lets the secrets out. Scandals? Might as well forget. Yet, they've lived the lie so long folks can't tell right from wrong. Honesty? Integrity?.That's old hat. So let that be the end of that.