The Little town (roann)

The Little Town (Roann)

I will choose the little town

For that's where the trees grow wise,

Where my garden has plenty of open space.

For flowers to open their eyes

I will choose the little town

With grasses beneath my feet.

Where the laughter and sqeals of children at play

Are noisy as they are sweet.

I will love the little town

Near a river, where nearby

Are willow trees and sycamores

Beneath a starlit sky

Here one can pause and send her thoughts

As far as her soul can go.

Can listen in a quiet night

And hear all nature grow.

Here one can work and love and play

With folks whose roots go down

(The Little Town, cont'd)

Deep in the sod. In the hand of God

Nestles this little town.

A rapturous choir of singing birds

Awakens me at dawn.

Thanksgiving turns my heart and face

To the East, with her glory on.

And day fills up like a waiting cup

With friendliness, work and bliss

No neighborhood on a city street

Offers anything like this

So cows, and sows and farmer's plows

I daily hear them mentioned,

And sheep. I sleep when shadows creep

Or chat with widows pensioned.

And I will die beneath this sky

And sleep beneath this sod

Near the little town that nourished me

So close to the heart of God

Written by V. Friederika Van Buskirk

Roann, Indiana