Near the Beggar’s Gate

by Samantha Cole

He’s there with each new
day, the scraggly haired
stranger, eyes like a
hawk. Well dressed, well
mannered, he’ll gladly
discuss philosophy,
politics, the
scene at Golgotha hill.
An upright gentleman, a
good ol’ boy. “Such a
genius,” the passers-by
say after a chance
encounter, “such a friend.”
A kind smile on his
lips, like always,
he nods while
releavin' 'em of
fat wallets in his own
five-fingered style.

Samantha Cole is a freshman at Berea College hoping to major in Appalachian Studies. A native of Beattyville, Kentucky, she is interested in all aspects of Appalachian Culture, from music, to religion, to literature, and ethnic diversity within the region. Most of her poetry reflects this, pulling inspiration from her own experiences and background, along with the folk music of the United States. Samantha one day hopes to return to her hometown to continue writing.

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