Southern Musings

Tracy Lawrence sang a song titled “If the World Had a Front Porch.” This song reminded me of many southern days and nights spent sitting on the porch. The porch was the preferred hang out. We talked about a lot of different topics and even had several heated debates. Often, we even pulled practical jokes on people. But through it all, the front porch was still a special place. In the song, it is a place of peacefulness and solving problems.

With the way the world is going today, I think this song should be played several times a day on every radio station. Think of all the people it would reach! The world is full of pain and suffering. It is full of people that have forgotten the art of compromise. There are some times when compromise just will not work. There are many other times when if we could sit down on the front porch and talk it all out with family members that we might just find a resolution without having to resort to taking people to court or fighting legal battles.

Front porches are great for sitting in the shade to shell peas or break beans. There is no place quite the same for cranking the old ice cream maker to make that sweet concoction of many hot summer days’ dreams. Sitting in the swing watching people drive by is a relaxing pastime. Just do not forget to wave or holler out a “how ‘ya doing” from time to time. Porches are friendly places, you know.

The decorations do not have to be as extravagant as those in magazine spreads. Although, many of the porches in Southern Living magazine make me want to grab some cool lemonade, they are a bit pricey for many southerners budget. A simple porch swing, a big comfortable chair, or even just a plain old fashioned rocking chair would work. Add in a table to put your drink on and you are all set for an afternoon of old fashioned relaxation. Add in a couple of kids playing, someone with a guitar or other musical instrument, a couple of fans, and the crunching of ice being ground into pieces as the ice cream maker bucket turns to have a perfect impromptu gathering. Fancy chairs with elaborate cushions, tons of flowers, crystal glasses, and gourmet food are not completely necessary. They could prove interesting though.

The important thing is that the front porch is a place to forget the troubles that can not be resolved by some common sense and helping attitude of neighbors. Not quite as elaborate as a cookout or bar-b-que, but still just a good source of neighborhood togetherness. It isn’t the front porch that made the difference. The front porch simply was the place where the problems could be discussed and dealt with in an easy going atmosphere. So even though the if there really was a front porch for the world to share, all the problems may not be resolved simply by building it, having it there would be a benefit. It would be the place to go to relax, enjoy life, and work on the problems in an atmosphere that encourages being a good neighbor.