My Magnolia Memories and Musings in Poems - A Book Review

On the last page of her second book of poems, Patricia Neely-Dorsey quotes William Faulkner, who said "To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi." After reading Neely-Dorsey's newly-published book of poems, "My Magnolia Memories and Musings in Poems," it is evident the Tupelo resident not only understands her native state, but that her poetry is indeed a labor of love. 


Beginning with the book's first section, aptly named "Southern Sights, Scenes, and Sentiments," Ms. Neely-Dorsey takes the reader on a unique journey through poems entitled "Natchez Trace," "The Delta (Black, White and Blues)", "Memphis," "Front Porch (Hospitality Headquarters)", and "The Truck Patch...Gone, But Not." And in subsequent sections, she sentimentally recalls memories that deal with childhood, church, the (neighbor) hood, and love. Through her poems, Ms. Neely-Dorsey offers the reader an insightful glimpse into southern culture, specifically Mississippi's own unique culture, one that is often misunderstood by those who have not experienced it.  Patricia Neely-Dorsey is truly an ambassador for the State of Mississippi, and through her newest book of poems, she has invited the world to experience the people, places, and ideas of "a place like Mississippi."

Sunday's Poem - A Psalm of Life, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow What the Heart of the Young Man said to the psalmist Tell me not, in mournful numbers, "Life is but an empty dream!" For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. Life is real!  Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal. "Dust thou art, to dust returnest," Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each tomorrow Finds us farther than today. Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating, Funeral marches to the grave. In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act,--act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o'erhead! Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing Learn to labor and to wait.