My home town

Down the Hill and Across the Road

Sitting atop a maze of tunnels drifts and shafts

Left by the lead and zinc mines of the past

There was a day when it seemed so complete

With shops factories and places of retreat

Houses where families lived and grew

Love and respect existed in all but a few

A city so beautiful and alive

But somehow it didn’t survive 

If I drive down main street today

The smell is musty and gray

Gone are temporary stalls in which animals did go  

All sorts of farm animals had been brought for show

With all the hustle and bustle in the air

A great time; we called it the fair!

Olive Street was something to behold

With hotels and the theater where movie tickets were sold

So aptly called the “Princes” by name

Many Princes, here with their date came

Many buildings are in need of repair

Others are just standing there

The Masonic Lodge is now a residence

Home of those who don’t mind the expense

The Princes was sold

For what purpose it is used I don’t know

The First Christian Church is empty and bare

So, on Sunday no worshippers are there

Aurora Missouri, old friend of mine

From all appearances

You like me are beyond your prime!

Jim Gray

Peculiar Mo