Congress Street Early Fall

Small town America is slowly slipping away,
at least that is what they say.
I look left and see Hotel Harris standing tall,
on the right is still the bank after all.
As I breathe the cool fall air,
all is right and intact there.
Down at the end of the street,
the empty Agway looks trim and neat.

This is where I grew up, it's true,
so it wouldn't mean as much to you.
I am happy even if my glasses are rose.
I don't see this town in death throes.
It is a beautiful autumn day,
you sure can't take that away.

Hard working people from rough stock
built a town that can stand a shock.
We have been down-trodden before
and Rumford can take a whole lot more,
so when you roll down Congress Street,
Think not of old brick and concrete,
but of town planners and builders.

Sometimes what is in the heart bewilders,
because we love this little mill town.
and we strive to keep it from being beat down.
Small town America will never slip away,
if we who love her have our say.