Red Dirt
Angela Johnson
2000
5th Grade
Got me some red Alabama dirt I keep
on the bathroom shelf in a heart-shaped
bottle.
Dug it up from the back of a cheap motel
in central Alabama me and Mama stayed at
when our car broke down driving south.
Was going to show it to whoever
up north.
But never have yet — can’t think of anyone
who’d understand.
Still look at it and miss where I used to
wander.
Red, red dirt of Alabama.