Fare thee well

Fare thee well my southern land
Home of old
Not much left of her
But memories of what once was

Vacant lots where chapels stood
Left barren and flat
Broken brick and glass
Are now their foundation

Bustling streets can be seen
In books that speak of her demise
Buildings of great architecture
Spread out as rubble under foot

To stand and gaze upon her streets
Where our paths had taken shape
I feel the sadness in flashing memories
But smile at the joy in its reflection

The love that remains for this ghost
In the hearts of those who call her home
Tender are her caretakers
Making the best of what remains

When reunited we feel as one
As if our roots were all the same
We speak of her as if she still stood proud
Fighting for the glory she still has left to give

From these ashes can she rise again
As prayed for with each nights breath
To save her which is loved so much
For nowhere else can we call home