If Mississippi’s in you
It’ll always be that way;
It matters not how far you
Or how long you stay.
If Mississippi’s in you,
It always plays a part;
In how you live and move and breathe,
And in every notion of the heart.
If Mississippi’s in you,
It’s in you through and through;
It’s in in who you are and how you be,
And it’s in everything you do.
If Mississippi’s in you,
There is some special glow;
A different something down inside,
That all the home folks know.
If Mississippi’s in you,
It’ll always be that way,
From the time you enter in the world,
Till in the grave you lay.
Every true Mississippian,
Can surely have it said;
I’m Mississippi born,
I’m Mississippi bred,
And when I die,
I’ll be Mississippi dead.
2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia -A Life In Poems
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is the author of two books of poetry, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems and My Magnolia Memories and Musings-In Poems. Through her poems , the author hopes to protect, preserve and promote the rich cultural history and heritage of her state and region along with providing more positive images than all of the negative images usually portrayed. Patricia lives in Tupelo with her husband James, son Henry and Miniature Schnauzer, Happy. The author has been named a Goodwill Ambassador for the state by Governor Phil Bryant. Her slogan is “Always, Always Celebrating the South and Promoting a Positive Mississippi ” Her website is www.patricianeelydorsey.com and her email is magnoliagirl21@yahoo.com.
