As quiet, prudent people should,
We chose with care our neighborhood.
The neighbors, schools, and fire protection
All came under close inspection;
The miles from work; which streets are muddied
When it rains, were scanned and studied.
All features, pro and con, we hoped,
Were analyzed and microscoped.
But when we lay us down to sleep,
Cars go by with horns that beep;
The dogs do bark, and kiddies play-
Where were they, one inquires, all day?
And there are sounds I cannot quote
From factories we’d thought remote.
We sense another oversight
When Diesel engines blast the night.
The last straw (we are on the ropes)
That teen-age girl next door elopes.
The NEXT house, dear, that’s yours and mine,
We shall select while we’re supine.
by Ray Romine Friday, September 1, 1950
