Sam L. Linkous lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, and works in Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education Department. He has lived in Hindman, Kentucky, where he served at the Hindman Settlement School as assistant to the director/program coordinator and in Elkins, West Virginia, where he served as the program coordinator for the Augusta Heritage Center. Sam is an Old Time music maker, photographer, and outdoor sports enthusiast.
The Baptizing
Often enough the creeks freeze over,
making it hard for baptizings this time of year.No matter;
Walter felt led and insisted it happen,
this very Sunday.Amidst, “We Shall Gather at the River” and
“We Shall Not be Moved,”
Brother Richard “put him down for the Lord.”His mama was there and
his sister, to see their prayers answered.
It was too cold for most, but
a few faithful believers showed up,
and retreated to their warm homes as soon as it was over.Walter, dripping wet, cold and rejoicing,
went to his trailer, petted Blackie, his little black fur ball,
and rested,
wishing he had something to eat or could afford some coal.
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