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although I've been away from my hometown
for just a short while
fond memories of places and good friends
still cause me to smile
where I am now to where I used to live
is just a short ride
a large white house with a large front porch
on the city's east side
I remember the pavement of 25th street
where we played touch football all day
and then spent our allowances
at every candy store along Broadway
sledding down dead man's curve
on the snowy hills of Eastside park
having too much fun, losing track of time
sneaking home well after dark
summer afternoons playing stickball
until my right arm hung from its socket
filling my belly with lemon italian ices
with the change left in my pocket
but the best memories of my hometown
when the November air was cold and stiff
and I sat with my friends and schoolmates
in the stands of old Hinchliffe
the sounds of the battling marching bands
below on the hard and gritty cinder track
colorful banners waving back and forth
my side, orange and blue
the other side, red and black
there were other scenes and remembrances
places and people who no longer exist
Park avenue parades, July fourth fireworks and carnivals
but the November moments at Hinchliffe
remain at the apex of my list
