Not a Small-Town Person

I am not a small-town person,

Though I realize its appeal

Must attract a lot of people

Who see life there as ideal.

 

All the neighbors are acquainted

And they frequent the cafes

And the shops and other venues

To fill up the passing days.

 

People mosey on the sidewalks

And they chat out in the yards.

Things seem safe so no one worries

About letting down their guards.

 

In the city, things are bustling;

We don’t know each other’s names.

Learning everybody’s business

Wouldn’t be one of our claims.

 

On the streets, most like to scurry,

Passing tourists who don’t know

That to wait for lights at corners

Isn’t how things ought to go.

 

There are crowds and noise and hustle,

But there’s so much one can do

That however long you live here,

You will still find something new.

 

Now I know there are exceptions.

But in general, it’s so.

Neither lifestyle is for everyone;

Deep down, though, we all know

 

Which will work to make us happy.

Small-town visits bring delight

But it takes the city’s clamor

To make all my cells ignite.