A low-class, Southern upbringing

was visible in odd little ways.

Drinking sweet tea by the gallon

and probably Kool-Aid when you're little.

Family dinners of White Castle

  passed around an unused

  kitchen table

  every other payday.

Hamburger Helper made with (discounted) deer meat

and ass whoopins from your Mama's belt.

Going hunting at four in the morning, 

   and always going to church on Sunday.

Pray before you eat.

Respect your elders.

Family above everything else.

It wasn't the worst thing.