Small Towns Revisited

Small Towns Revisited by Edmund Siejka We Long Islanders Live near a large City Of Tall buildings High end stores Apartments with gated windows A place where people live like strangers. Here, where we live The land slopes downward Towards Merrick Road Inviting us for a walk Along the way It’s just like a neighbor To call our name We say hello And exchange pleasantries There is no need to say anymore. Our families have roots here Passing our local school We recall that July When fathers, Tradesman And office workers alike, Volunteered To help build a playground. Wives worked nearby To be home When children Stepped off school buses Homes managed under their careful eye. Near a park Our sons and daughters played soccer Families came to watch Their children run like the wind Memory tells me It was a good season. On nearby streets We helped neighbors With routine chores Lifting and pushing the unmovable Shiny things for a kitchen Or something for the upstairs room Odds and ends We call possessions. In return we are known here And we take every opportunity To walk through a quiet town As early evening Peacefully descends On everyone and everything.