Valentine to Terre Haute

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How do I love thee, my good old hometown?

Years ago, you were a place of renown.

In later decades, butt of Martin’s jokes.

But basically, the home of decent folks.

More conservative, in general, than

Debs, Dreiser and Wilson — radical men —

who might be dismissed as fools or dreamers,

who might be feared as dangerous schemers.

Terre Haute was their home too — this high earth

gave labor leader, writer and artist birth.

Though buildings that they knew have been destroyed,

their ideals can be fruitfully employed

to take our hometown a level above.

Happy Valentine’s Day, with all our love.

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