Where the West Begins
Out where the handclasp’s a little stronger,
Out where the smile dwells a little longer,
That’s where the West begins;
Out where the sun is a little brighter,
Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter,
Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter,
That’s where the West begins.
Out where the skies are a trifle bluer,
Out where friendship’s a little truer,
That’s where the West begins;
Out where a fresher breeze is blowing,
Where there’s laughter in every streamlet flowing,
Where there’s more of reaping and less of sowing,
That’s where the West begins;
Out where the world is in the making,
Where fewer hearts in despair are aching,
That’s where the West begins;
Where there’s more of singing and less of sighing,
Where there’s more of giving and less of buying,
And a man makes friends without half trying —
That’s where the West begins.
Arther Chapman 1916-17
Author of Romantic Comedy...with Cowboys including the bestselling Kincaid Brides Series
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Congratulations to the winners
Mary, I’m reading your story in the “A Bride For All Seasons” book right now! Loving it! The whole book is fantastic. I don’t want it to end. But as in all good books, it has to! I am looking forward to reading your next book…when does that one come out?
What a beautiful poem, Mary. Thanks for sharing!
Isn’t this a beautiful poem? I just loved it. I wish I’d written it!
Valri, thanks so much for the kind words about A Bride for All Seasons. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!
Love this, Mary. Thanks for a downhome reminder today! Gladdened my heart.
As I took in the beauty of the Grand Tetons with their magestic beauty on a recent vacation, I couldn’t help but think back to days of the old West and the rough and rugged ways of the men and women who traveled this terrain.
Melanie, can you imagine the hardship. I think I am not quite tough enough to have made it. I wonder.
Love that poem, Mary!
It sort of gives you an insight into how they were feeling back then. Great poem!