Image: The statue of Max Ehrmann writer of the timeless classic Desiderata, where he often sat and wrote,  near the corner of 7th and Wabash, the "Crossroads of America," where he drew inspiration from the sights, sounds and people of Terre Haute. He once wrote of his hometown, "What place is lovelier than Terre Haute? ... Here is the world in miniature." How true.

09.04.14: 48) Terre Haute, breakfast sought

Train horn on the wind from afar

Sun lifts the morning dew from my car

Washin’ in the dryer, burger in the fryer

When it’s done I’m goin’ out in the sun

Which looks down as if to say “It’s gonna be a hot Indiana day”.

 

49) Inspiration fired, by a man who inspired

The world his poetry to see

Sat on a seat, sure is neat

Next to Max Ehrmann, who inspired me.

 

50) Sat at the crossroads of the town

Watching traffic pass and travel down

The road knowing, where it is going

Three coloured walking and talking wait

For the lights to change then move on with easily casual gait

And I in thoughtful repose, sit and joyfully compose

In the midday sun I sit and bask

While others rush about their daily task

And cars move off when lights are green out of sight no more to be seen

While I still in thoughtful repose, sit and joyfully compose

And now I hear the wind bringing,

The sound of the three coloured guys singing

While once more at the crossroads that wait,

To cross then move on with the same casual gait

And I in thoughtful repose, continue to sit and joyfully compose

And watch while by the time does roll

Friends passing enjoying a stroll

Others dash by not wanting to lurk

Thoughts perhaps on the rudiments of their work

And I still sit in thoughtful repose, and carry on to joyfully compose

But soon I must away, and so continues the day

But I will long remember the time, I wrote this rhyme

And will the people that passed me by, ever know why

I sat in thoughtful repose, and took the time to joyfully compose

 

I really put my foot in it, well both actually, in this poem

51) I barrier across the path I found, and so decided to go round

Back on the pathIntention well meant,

I didn’t know it was wet cement

Started to sink, got off quick as a wink

Looked back at what was seen, my footprints where I’d boldly been

Now when the workmen come and look upon

The cement they’ll find me boldly gone.

 

52) I thought “time for a bite” as well one might

Lobster tails and fries, then a surprise

I looked in my bag to find, I’d left my malt vinegar behind

Then to my delight, a beautiful sight

To enjoy it I was able

Looking down I found, they got malt vinegar on the table.