ALLEGHENY HILLS

I really miss the hills of the Allegheny.

The spirits of my ancestors were always there.

Each night I could speak to them of ages past.

Many centuries had passed since they first came,

Leaving behind places where their forefathers had worshiped.

Honored places of ancient heroes and distant family.

They dared all things to make possible a new way

True freedom to own their own lives, a dream of children

A chance to grow their own crops, to be free of oppression.

To leave a place for their children, to know as their own

To worship their own God as they felt was the truth.

There was music in the air that blew through

Singing of joyousness in family love and keeping close.

Part of my soul will always wander in those hills

With me, I have memories that fill me with joy.

Sometimes I can find a special place in the mountains,

Where echoes from my hills ring my ears full of music.

Send my body where you will when I go, but

Let my soul return to these hills for all of eternity.