An old fort........

     Woke up very early, before the sunrise,
    today is the day we are going for a ride.
  Traveling further south to visit an old fort,
  wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and camera
                            at my side.
 

    Along the way taking in all the scenery,
    a chance to take pictures and see many
                          small towns,
  Farms filled with horses, cattle and goats,
     a way of life shrinking, barns in grays
                           and browns.
 

      Sometimes I wish the clock could be
                          turned back,
         to a period of time when life was
                         much slower.
 When people you passed were recognizable,
       stopped to say hello with a pace that
                          was lower.
 

  As we drive along a path well used before,
shade trees all around and pastures are green.
    Open the windows let the cool refreshing
                                 air in,
  the ride is relaxing and the view so serene.
 

      Over the hill and off in the distance,
  an old wooden fort can be seen with ease.
   Excited and anxious to walk the grounds,
  a way of life disappeared, yet still wants
                            to please.

Dwellers of the time lived in such tiny rooms,
       stacked beds, small tables and toys
                          on the floor.
 Handmade cradle stood alone in one corner,
    while pots, rifles and trinkets hung by
                            the door.
 

Outside a pen stood where horses were kept,
        amazing how people lived, rugged 
                         and resolute.
Overcoming any obstacle placed in their path,
      never concerned about being destitute.

Written by:
Karen Palumbo
Photography by:
Robert Palumbo
8/10/2007
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