Author's Note

This collection of short stories is about growing up on the edge of Barker Ten Mile, a rural community in southeastern North Carolina in the 1950's and 60's. At times it's hard to believe the stories are not fiction. But the stories, just like the title, Barker Ten Mile, are real down to the last detail.

The stories play out on a backdrop of a changing South, racially, economically and culturally. These stories reflect the experience of one boy and, and thus, offer only a partial view of that world. People who live long enough and gain a little wisdom know that two people can have a similar experience and tell different stories about it. Some of these stories contain realistic descriptions of injuries, blood, guns, misdeeds and violence, but also glimpses of courage, determination and kindness.

I can only hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I have enjoyed remembering and writing them.

Welcome to Barker Ten Mile—or at least my edge of Barker Ten Mile.