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Vance Oliphant

Country Town

Just down the road...around the bend,
Are the remains of a town that couldn't contend.

The automobile and the hard surface road,
Caused life in this town to slowly erode.

There was a grocery store....maybe two at one time,
And, no doubt, a thriving five and dime.

An implement dealer and an auto garage .....
Those things now are just a faded mirage.

The grain elevator was open; waiting for grain to unload.
Trucks carrying the harvest, now go on down the road.

Soda fountain, clothing store, a cafe or two,
And, of course, a bar where one could get a cold brew.

The theater with a Saturday matinee;
Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.......... the western's heyday.

A bank, a shoestore, a place to play ball
And folks could go to a dance at the Legion Hall.

There was a fall festival with the usual parade,
Carnival rides, side shows, and a penny arcade.

The trains used to stop and passengers alight,
Now, there are only freights that pass in night.

Saturday nights the farmers came to town.
To shop and gossip to get the latest lowdown.

Shopping malls are okay for those on the run,
But small town shopping was a lot more fun.

Most small town activity has now come to a end,
Just down the road.......around the bend.