Shotgun Ladies

By

Jerry L. Hurley

In the town of Apalachicola as you walk about the Hill

You’ll happen upon the ladies standing very still.

Forgotten by time and hidden from eyes

They wait in silence as another friend dies.

The laughter of children is no longer heard

But century old memories are now being stirred.

Some brought back to life with makeup and jewels

And wrinkles repaired with hammering tools.

They thought that their time of usefulness ended

Now some are being carefully tended.

But many more ladies stand on the hill

Waiting for people with foresight and skill

To save them from fading away from this earth

And provide love and patience to enable rebirth.