For as long as I’ve lived on this planet,
I’ve known no greater joy than childhood on it,
Long rides in the country with Mom, Dad and a Buick,
State Parks for family picnics and loads of chicken,
Thrilled by stories of old with hero’s who had my name in them.
Vacations down Route 41 through small towns,
With Mom and Pop Motels who appreciated you came around,
While passing through, Florida bound,
Small diners with friendly people and good food easily found.
Each town felt like part of the vacation,
With its small town salutations,
And warm appreciations,
Making them remembered destinations.
Full serve stations with dinosaurs named Sinclair,
Playing Slug Bug and Twenty Questions with each passing mile,
Stopping at Stuckey’s and Howard Johnson’s for treats and some air,
Munching and stretching cramped legs from sitting for too long a while.
Every town had a Tastee Freeze,
Dads had to stop if he didn’t want you to scream,
Or a Jack in the Box next to Hardee’s before the ice cream,
And motels like the Hideaway where weary heads hit pillows to dream.
Mom would dawdle at the arts and crafts,
Dad at A&W for a Root Beer Draft,
Or reaching the Dog-N-Suds at last,
A window tray of food eagerly passed.
Attractions on billboards promised the world,
Billie Creek Village with Covered Bridge tours,
Turkey Run for hiking, canoes and more,
La Fayette with amusement parks and zoos.
Indiana Beach swore Indiana had more than corn,
While Enchanted Forest had rides galore,
Meet Santa Claus in a town called Santa Claus of course,
Then explore caves called Boone on a river tour.
I miss the days of small towns being around,
Where people and buildings all stood tall and proud,
Festivals and fairs in every town,
Every season easily found.
Morocco is all this to me,
A place my home can be,
Where neighbors become family,
Not just a person who lives next to me.
This is my home,
A small town along a blue highway,
Where pride is still shown
Its glory about to be reborn,
An American Heritage restored.
Morocco, I’m finally home.
May 9, 2009
©Bradley S. Hartman
As featured at Hartfelt Books
www.hartfeltbooks.com
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