^{By Jennifer Jordan}
Most people have been here all their lives.
But there are those who move here
new and ready to start again with the past
and maybe the future behind them.


It's not that easy. Cars wait in line
for only one stoplight and all the while
snow seeps in through the window cracks.
Even at home, the water outside your door
looks cold, uninviting.


Wal-mart came in and threatened Main Street,
winning the race for money. Gas prices rise
as summer hits the mouths of out-of-towners.
They come for the fun to enjoy some time away
from the stuffy lives they lead.


A little girl learned how to swim, at seven,
in the deep end. Back and forth, side to side,
she tries not to sink from the heavy heart
that her Daddy gave her when he left.
Maybe some day he'll come back and tuck his daughter
into bed instead of sleeping in the arms of a stranger.


Still the stoplight continues to change
as people still drive through. Only this time
when you stop, it's not cold. Instead of snow
seeping in through cracks, you look up
and realize this time it's bright and the future holds hope.