“A Memory of Albert Lea…”

I remember a yesterday when people knew their neighbors well, and shared their joys and felt their pain.

There were no fences between our lots and the backyard parties were open and warmly shared.

We knew the name of ever neighbor and shared both their burdens and triumphs.

When fenceless and backyards invited gatherings of these next door friends to celebrate good news or mourn together.

When everyone knew the name of all the residents on their block and trusted them with their chattel and all crimes were committed by strange people somewhere else.

When hard work built fortunes and no one relied on winning the lottery and banks could be trusted with your meager savings.

Gerald Bosacker

Paragould, Ark.