kentucky red clay is hard
dried on the sole
of a man’s shoe
cruel to the feet
and the chambers of his heart
guns faster
cries louder
tears bigger
graves deeper
gypsies meaner
our secrets hidden in the hay loft
insects and preachers more willing to take a bite
and the winding road down through the holler
leads you to the still behind the altar
where the moonshine will kill you
just for spite