"Out Where the West Begins"
by Arthur Chapman Out where the handclasp’s a little stronger, Out where the smile dwells a little longer, That’s where the West begins; Out where the sun is a little brighter, Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter, Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter— That’s where the West begins. Out where the skies are a trifle bluer, Out where friendship’s a little truer, That’s where the West begins; Out where a fresher breeze is blowing, here there’s laughter in every streamlet flowing, Where there’s more of reaping and less of sowing— That’s where the West begins. Out where the world is in the making, Where fewer hearts in despair are aching, That’s where the West begins; Where there’s more of singing and less of sighing, Where there’s more of giving and less of buying, And a man makes friends without half trying – That’s where the West begins. |
“Where I Am From” by Azreal Hunter
I am from screen doors and blue porches From dirt roads and green grass From bare feet and mud between my toes. I am from creek banks and fishing poles From hiking boots and dark woods From deer meat and jerky I am from church on Sunday morning and “God’s word is law” From Wednesday nights and vacation Bible school From “Jesus Loves Me” and “Amazing Grace”. I am from old trucks and beat-up tractors From gas stations and lottery tickets From Doritos and Mountain Dew I am from holidays and reunions From barbeques and cookouts From fireworks and presents. |