You know you live in a small town when
people back up down main street…
And when streetlights and cross walks are unheard of.
You know you live in a small town when you see people you know at every turn.
When the hangout place for kids is Casey’s after school,
and when you know every person at the town swimming pool.
You know you live in a small town when the only place victorious people flock to
after a humid summer ball game is the ice cream shop down the street…
and when everyone and their grandma knows
whose with who by the next day…
And when high school graduates from five years back come to all the home football games.
You know you live in a small town when the football team is bound to lose,
but the whole population of your teeny little town
is in the stands anyway
with blankets and popcorn
screaming until their lungs give out.
You know you live in a small town when old teachers are legendary,
and there is never a dull moment in the halls…
and you know you’re a small town girl when you know
all the teachers several years before they actually teach you,
and when all your decisions are made for you before you even have a chance to process them,
And nothing changes over time,
the library looks the exact same as 20 years ago, story hour still at 11:00 on Saturdays.
And you know you live in a small town when all anyone ever wants to do when they graduate
Is to get away and explore the world
Outside the safe haven that you call home.