Just Common

The Trail

Folks, on a trail, that meanders through the Mountains, a Northern Carolina. Inta Virginia, these small towns and settlements, don't get many visitors. Most aren't more than just a few homes, maybe a Tradin Post ta get cloth an dry goods. Most these places, are few an far between.

Some these places, half they business, may be simple trade. Fella may have some honey, he trades fer some salted pork, or maybe some flour. These folks, they live a life, that can be hard, yet pleasin. Some may have strange beliefs, far as that goes. Well, lets say, long as it don't go against the Law. Folks I don't care, now they is some that do.

This here story, ifin ya willin ta listen ta it. Ya might just learn a thin or two. Then again, ya maybe so closed mind ya don't! Not sayin, yar closed mind, hell hope ya knew what's I meant. Ifin not, tough folks. Don't rightfully care, what ya think. Now fer this story, I had been just ridin the trail. On occasion, I do this just so the folks can see we ain't  fergot thum.

                                     No Food

Yep folks, that's right, call this section no food. Came apun cabin, amongst huge rocks an boulders few pines gripped those boulders, how they took root in rock. Wonders a never cease, folks. Only critters I seen were some chicken no horse flesh, or even a pig. Most folks up this way at least have a pig ta get some meat.

I shouts hello in the cabin! Let's those folks, know I was approachin. Not a shout back nor any movement like theys heard me. Folks, they wasn't any smoke from they chimney. Always a small fire a goin keep coffee warm, hell that ways ya can start a meal, an not worry abouts gettin a fire started. Ya know folks, common sense.

Folks, this youngster, came out lookin like skin an bones. Like his Ma an Pa, ain't forced a change clothes in months. Maybe even he ain't been took care of, ya know they both dead. He say, Ranger unlessin ya can doctor or have some food. Ya be no help here. Folks, I had food, well rations that a have ta do. I say food I gots, doctorin that, may not be a help at that. Folks that youngster smiled at the word food. I climbed off that horse, grabbed both ration bags.

I asks, where yar Pa an Ma at? He say, Ma inside bad off. Pa went out couple days ago  ta hunt, he ain't come back. Folks, the Pa could be just not found any food. Maybe hurt or dead. I say let's check on yar Ma. I am Common, who might ya be? He say Mark is my name, my Ma is Cathy, or Cate as Pa, would call her. Folks once inside, Cathy looked ill. Pale bent over in pain, she looked at me an say, I wouldn't be worth yar time. Ta have yar way with. We haves no food, other than that chicken I can't catch nor trinkets.

She say been five days, no food fer me. Mark he got the last the honey, we had. My boy a eat first. I tell her, I gots some cornbread little honey left from breakfast. Best only eat one piece fer now. Little at time be best. Folks heard tell, they was some Army. They had gone days, with out food. They ate thumselves ta death, they stomachs had shrunk. Not sure ifin that is true, best use good judgement on this.

I got a fire started, told Mark ta gather some wood an fetch some water, I'd make us some tea. After Mark left, I ask where is yar man at, Mark say he went huntin. Cathy say, think he ain't comin back. Probably dead, cougar or bear gots him. Never gone more than a day. Folks figured as much. Most men won't leave, when they have no food, fer more than a day. They is berries grubs, even mice or rats. Ya can eat, ifin ya need ta. Gave Cate some more cornbread an that tea I made. Abouts an hour later, told her in abouts another two hours, I'd fix some supper. First off, asked thum both what direction he left in, an his name. They say he walked out east, name is Paul.

Folks, gots about an half hour out, founds him looks like he may have, slipped fell off a small cliff. Fell near 50 feet. I yelled down abouts five times. No answer he did not move or even twitch a finger. Folks, Paul didn't have a chance. Hell I can't get ta him, let alone gets him here. I'll get word, ta the next place, see ifin they can't find away ta get him out. Plus take care those two, he left behind. First get that Cate healthy, make sure they has some food.