Ode to Y'all

Ode to Y’all

by Amber Counts

Oh, much-maligned word –

misunderstood –

only spoken by hicks,

hillbillies, rednecks –

the under-educated,

unsophisticated.

Poor “y’all” – unappreciated –

judged by the way you look,

how you sound,

but I haven’t found

a more inclusive way

to address a crowd.

You see, y’all,

“you guys” leaves at least half

of all people out of your address;

the inclusiveness of y’all

simply must impress

you for its simplicity and cohesiveness.

It’s not “hick” at all;

it’s a perfect contraction

and therefore should meet

with your satisfaction.

I say “y’all” because

you all matter.

Every single one of you.

You all.

Y’all.