My Charleston Home – Original Poem

By Mark A. Leon

With my guitar in hand and cross around my neck, I sing a song to my homeland
These Southern roots sing a lullaby with a Baptist choir by my side
This place I call home where the grits are warm and the shrimp are pure
A cowboy laying claim to his Southern roots

Sailors wave their sails as they dance around the harbor
I lay with my baby under the pirate’s gallows of White Point
In the distance, the sound of hooves
Horse drawn carriages offer a comfortable traveling companion
History tells a story on every street corner

Our forefathers debated
Our soldiers fought
Our leaders inspired

From Archdale to the Battery, Broad to Meeting, I tip my hat
It’s a place we can’t explain where neighbors are family
A place blessed by the radiant sun
Where we bow to a lady and honor their beauty

Courtesy is an honored tradition
Gentleman stand in honor
Ladies tip their hat and raise their champagne

This is my Southern home

On these streets, the church bells back up my harmony
In unison for all the world to hear
A holy city rich in pride

That’s just the Charleston way

Let go of your senses and smell our flowers
A garden enchanted with historic architecture

The first shots still echo in the distance
All are welcomed with the shower of a Pineapple

This is Charleston

Strong and proud
Welcoming and free
Charmed in open arms

A mimosa by day, rooftop glow by night
Standing tall as the jewel of the South

This is my Charleston home