Windom

Thomas Hemminger

February 25, 2024

The Cotton Belt Route

lies drowsily along side

the two-lane Texas highway

measuring the distance between 

the “Five-Mile Cities.” 

Near to the one that’s mine,  

a monumental water tower

and set of grain silos are situated 

where the tracks had room to switch, 

back when they still needed switching. 

Just down main street from there, 

arrayed in yesteryear’s beauty, is

the old bank, the city hall, a laid-back country buffet, 

and the perfect park for any Fourth of July party.

“A Small Town with a Big Heart,” we say. 

Right south of Windom is our family farm,

where anyone can see how the town earned its name

as the uninhibited wind sweeps across

golden acres of lengthening hay,

and the country birds sail across the open sky.

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.