These people were no better and no worse

Than those of other rural communities

Of which God built many. He knew their force

In moving this world’s plain activities;

And ’tho oft used as theme for jests and jokes

They e’er have been, still are, the cream of folks.

Some names of these, no doubt, I have forgot;

And hence, they do not here within appear:

For time and toil the keenest mind will blot;

Yet so, for each left out, I shed a tear.