Welcome to the Ozarks

by Lauren M. Weinand, M.D.

Where turtles and armadillos share
the cloistered roads you travel and a
chorus of tree frogs lulls you to sleep

Cloaked in their bewitching, boundless oaks
people are kind, but kindly advise:
Don’t forget, sweetie, you’re in the South

Land is liberty, liberty to
farm, fly fish, shoot the breeze, make moonshine—
best not to ask what I do on mine

Mountain majesties shrouded in meth
wiry children play at gas stations
whose whimsical bathroom signs instruct:

Wash your hands and say your prayers
because Jesus and germs are everywhere
Welcome to the Ozarks, sweetie