Promise to Poppy

Derek Davidson was reared in South Georgia. His father owned a third-rate beer joint that boasted "the coldest beer in Georgia." His mother was a saintly woman who had an outside job to subsidize her husband's failing attempt at being a businessman.

Mrs. Davidson also recognized musical talent in her son Derek. She insisted he take piano and voice lessons to develop this talent. His mother did this to the disadvantage always of herself. With a scholarship and her continuing to work he was a...