It was a dirt road far from the highway. The few houses we passed all appeared to be empty, abandoned for a few weeks to a few years. Weeds covered fields and fence rows; no livestock grazed, no crops grew. Empty barns had fallen into disrepair. The little remaining farm equipment sat rusting.
Everything seemed to be present for life to go on here. There were bottom lands along the creek that once knew corn and tobacco. There were formerly pastures on the hillsides. There were electric lines and signs indicating the presence of natural gas lines. So why did no dogs run out to greet us? Why were there no toys in the yards? Where has everyone gone?
Where are you, Appalachia?
Where, indeed? It is always such a sad sight to see deserted houses and neglected farms.
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