Down the Holler
The term “holler” is frequently used to describe the raising of one’s voice. But another meaning of the word describes it as a colloquialism for “hollow,” a ravine or valley between hills or mountains (Miller, 2023). In the regional dialect pronunciation of the word hollow, it is typically used to describe a broad and natural low-lying stretch of land such as a small valley (Wikipedia Editors, 2024). In short, “holler” is chiefly a dialectal variant of “hollow” used when speaking about a low-lying geographical area (Miriam Webster Editors, 2024).
The term is also applicable descriptively when, in conversation, one is said to be “down in the holler,” suggesting that person is in a difficult circumstance or an unenviable position in life. It can also symbolically convey a sense of being secluded or hidden away and apart from others, intentionally being hidden from view. Since holler can be used to describe a physical place lower than its surroundings as well as an emotional state, it makes sense the only way out of a holler would necessitate an upward climb, both geographically and psychologically.
The term holler can also refer to an area of a community, such as Butcher Holler (or Hollow) where country singer Loretta Lynn grew up (Riddle, 2021). It is common for the word to be used when describing certain poorer populations particularly those of the Appalachian region. Historically, these are typically isolated locations with roots that can be traced linguistically back to the days of the immigrants from Scotland and Ireland (Luu, 2018). These regions tend to be sparsely populated and residents are often closely related. However, such isolation has decreased over time even though the local culture has not always kept pace (Wikipedia Editors, 2024). Today, in the context of country living, a holler is a place where “the kids can build a dam in the creek and have a good place to cool off and play. It is a place where the mountains are your playground.” (Cornett, 2024)
Given the latitude these definitions offer, one might poetically conclude that it is only from the hollers of our lives that we can see the peaks of the hills and mountains to which we aspire. Therefore, the following words offered, and images shared attempt to reflect the emotions tied to one’s journey from being down in the holler to a place where new horizons come into view and direction can be found.
Holler
Down the holler where the poverty of emotion lives,
and the temptation to quit tears at your core,
and the hunger to start over gnaws at your gut,
it is the first step upward that is most difficult.
Try to be convinced to accept the climb,
even at distant intervals it is not strange
to find yourself moving slowly
to let your spirit fully consume the task.
The horizon is so hazy at times,
and you hurt for want of definitions.
The upward climb seems infinite,
texturing each consecutive move.
Living an inherent core, then fuller by far,
the chance to see the light
on the other side.
Holler Visions
Never even considered I would see my way,
having to stop, unsure of the next step.
I hold the notion that to be reached,
I would have to be ready for the peak.
Forecasts made of the impending perspective,
hold promise of what is to come,
expected…coming…imminent.
But that eventual instant when blending
my soul with the new beginning
fades as suddenly as it came,
for nothing appears so vivid
as I have envisioned it to be.
Works Cited
Cornett, J. (2024, February 18). What Is a Holler. Retrieved from The Mountain Eagle: https://www.themountaineagle.com/articles/what-is-a-holler
Luu, C. (2018, August 8). The Legendary Language of the Appalachian “Holler”. Retrieved from JSTOR Daily: https://daily.jstor.org/the-legendary-language-of-the-appalachian-holler
Miller, K. (2023, March 24). Holler Meaning: Here's What It Means and How To Use It. Retrieved from The Word Counter: https://thewordcounter.com/meaning-of-holler/
Miriam Webster Editors. (2024, February 18). Holler. Retrieved from Miriam Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holler
Morrison, V. (1967). Brown Eyed Girl [Recorded by V. Morrison]. New York, New York, USA.
Riddle, K. (2021, June 8). The Heartbreaking Story of Loretta Lynn. Retrieved from Nicki Swift: https://www.nickiswift.com/431992/the-heartbreaking-story-of-loretta-lynn/
Wikipedia Editors. (2024, February 18). What Is A Holler In Country Terms. Retrieved from FAQS CLEAR: https://www.faqsclear.com/what-is-a-holler-in-country-terms/#:~:text=%22Holler%22%20is%20the%20regional%20dialect%20pronunciation%20of%20%22hollow%2C%22,a%20creek%20has%20carved%2C%20i.e.%20a%20small%20valley
Wikipeida Editors. (2024, February 4). Appalachia. Retrieved from Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachia
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