Madame Tennessee: Between Spring and Summer

for David & Jane

Driving down Highway 82 her daffodils are dying
Blossoms white and pink giving way to red and yellow
A lush green carpet being laid across her countryside
Her People coming out to play

And I a Newcomer caught between spring and summer
In love with the mystery of Madame Tennessee

It's hot but I am told she's hardly warming up
Her heat enfolding me, priming me for later days
My calves and thighs and wings are cooking well
A young spring chicken turning on her spit

Me, an Incomer bestriding spring and summer
Being loved by the magic of Madame Tennessee

Who can tell where all her music and joy will take me
In a land where ecstasy comes easily to mind
And happiness is measured by the absolute extension of your Drawl
Where truth and beauty have good ground in which to grow

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