There’s a place I’ve been, where ‘America starts’… Praises, Pennsylvania!

There’s a place I’ve been, where ‘America starts’
road to Paradise therein – who wouldn’t go there
on the promise? - Companions on a passion pilgrimage;
partners chasing history as pleasure pursuit
making memory the past;
wrong turn impressions that last.
Could we do it again, let bucolic byway Bird-in-Hand
lead us astray to Intercourse?
Where pastoral-quaint
the charms of Amish country sate
earthly appetites, lend spirit respite –
but beware - make way horse and buggies
roads’ right of ways, Old Conestoga’s hitching posts.
Refresh and compare nearby battlefield fare,
peaceful sojourns lead on from there – Yes!
To war! Where routes converge on Gettysburg
armies--Brothers--blundered into each other
for want of shoes. Fought, some died unshod
in field and wood. There – Devil’s Den, the Slaughter Pen
looks down on town, rocks Little Round Top!
Oh, to retrace their paths, face Pickett’s Charge again!
Would I pen you the merits of Peace and War
but to engage my fancy, your interests, near and afar?

copyright © Helga Ross 2003, 2007


America Starts Here - tourist slogan used by the state of Pennsylvania during the 1980s

Italics - names of historic villages, battlefield sites