Mississippi is Southern Charm with a bit of attitude,

A lot of Grace mixed with plenty of gratitude.

Mississippi is Mama’s homemade cake and sweetened ice tea,

Enjoyed while relaxing underneath that old shade tree.

Mississippi has always been and will always be home to me

Nothing can compare to Ole Man River and going fishing.

Sitting on the bank, listening to the frogs calling out,

Mississippi is "girls raised in the south".

From grand Magnolia trees that stand so strong and tall,

To the endless kudzu that creeps and crawls.

Let’s not forget the stately homes that did not survive,

Their majesty lost forever, never to revive.

The marsh lands that are tucked away,

The sandy beaches that have been threatened day after day.

But all in all Mississippi is strong and the people loyal,

Mississippi is Southern with a touch of Heaven in its soil.

Debbie Russell

7-8-2010