Jeanette Cheezum’s most recent poem to appear here was Hungry Mornings and Thirsty Nights (January 2015).

A Southern Lady
By Jeanette Cheezum

She was dressed to the nines by eight in the morning
Had the maid finish cleaning and shining by eleven
Cook prepared a luncheon for the garden group by twelve
Pencil skirts and cashmere sweaters flitted around until
Two.

Gossip spread like Grant took Richmond, after martinis
stirred and swallowed by three. Then hugs and cheek kisses
done by four and out the door.

That’s when mama yelled, “Y’all come back now, ya’ hear.”