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Words from the Hills: Family Portrait With Scythe Poems and Appalachian Writing

Steven Hayes

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Published in Family Portrait With Scythe: Poems (Appalachian Writing 5)

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In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where tradition and storytelling intertwine, a haunting and lyrical voice emerges in the poetry of Silas House's "Family Portrait with Scythe." This collection of verse captures the essence of Appalachian culture, its people, and the enduring power of their stories.

Family Portrait with Scythe: Poems (Appalachian Writing 5)

Family Portrait with Scythe: Poems (Appalachian Writing Book 5)

by James Owens

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4112 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	109 pages
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House, a renowned Appalachian writer, weaves a tapestry of words that paints vivid pictures of the region's landscape, its people, and their experiences. Through the lens of family, the poems explore themes of love, loss, resilience, and the search for identity amidst the challenges of life in the mountains.

The Appalachian Landscape

The poems in "Family Portrait with Scythe" are steeped in the Appalachian landscape, its rugged beauty and unforgiving terrain. House's words evoke the misty hills, winding rivers, and dense forests that have shaped the lives of Appalachian people for generations.

In the poem "Appalachian Winter," the speaker paints a stark and unforgiving portrait of the region's winters:

The wind howls like a banshee through the trees, And the snow falls heavy on the frozen ground. The mountains are cloaked in a blanket of white, And the rivers are silent, locked in ice.

Yet, amidst the harshness, House also finds beauty in the Appalachian landscape. In the poem "Mountain Song," the speaker finds solace in the hills that have witnessed generations of struggle and triumph:

I can hear the mountains singing In the wind's low moan. They tell stories of sorrow and joy, Of love and loss.

Appalachian People

At the heart of "Family Portrait with Scythe" are the people of Appalachia. House's poems celebrate their resilience, their traditions, and their indomitable spirit. In the poem "My Appalachian People," the speaker pays tribute to their strength:

We are the people of the mountains, Strong and proud, We have faced adversity with courage, And we have never given up.

House also explores the challenges faced by Appalachian people, both past and present. In the poem "Coal Miner's Daughter," he tells the story of a woman who works in the mines to support her family:

She works hard all day long, In the dark and dusty mine. But she never complains, She's just ng her part.

The Power of Storytelling

Throughout "Family Portrait with Scythe," House emphasizes the power of storytelling as a means of preserving Appalachian culture and passing on its traditions. In the poem "The Storyteller," he writes:

The storyteller sits by the fire, And spins his tales of long ago. His words paint pictures in our minds, And take us back to a simpler time.

Storytelling is not just entertainment in Appalachian culture; it is a way of connecting with the past, understanding the present, and envisioning the future. House's poems remind us of the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of our ancestors.

Themes of Loss and Resilience

"Family Portrait with Scythe" is not without its moments of darkness and loss. The poems grapple with the pain of losing loved ones, the challenges of poverty, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

In the poem "Elegy for a Lost Child," House mourns the death of a young child:

I remember the day you were born, Your tiny hands and feet. I held you in my arms, And promised to protect you.

Yet, even in the face of adversity, House finds hope and resilience in the Appalachian spirit. In the poem "The Mountain Laurel," he writes:

The mountain laurel blooms in the spring, A symbol of hope and renewal. It reminds us that even after the darkest of times, There is always new life.

Silas House's "Family Portrait with Scythe" is a powerful and moving collection of poetry that captures the essence of Appalachian culture, tradition, and storytelling. Through its vivid imagery, evocative language, and profound themes, House's work invites us to explore the beauty and struggles of this unique region and its people. By preserving and sharing the stories of Appalachia, House ensures that they will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Family Portrait with Scythe: Poems (Appalachian Writing Book 5)

by James Owens

4.7 out of 5