Misc: Ruston Poem by Alva A. Shaw, Lincoln Parish, LA
Submitted by: Ray E. Skinner


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Written by Alva A. Shaw, ca. 1915



Ruston is Calling YOU

                By A. A. Shaw

Ruston is made of flesh, and blood. 
And hearts, and souls, and minds.
Of love, and charity, and friendships,
And faith, and hope, and asperations. 
Of visions, and dreams, and service, 
Of industry, enterprise, and co-operation, 
With all of these; Ruston is calling you. 

Ruston is calling you "Citizen,"
To build her homes, her schools, 
Her churches, her morals, and ideals, 
To build her business enterprises, 
Her reputation, and her community spirit; 
And to welcome the stranger within her gates,
"Citizen" Ruston is calling you.

Ruston is calling you "wanderer,"
Who have gone out into the world, 
To battle, and struggle, and fight, 
For fame, and fortune, and right.
Yes; she is proud of your success,
But she longs to welcome her children home.
Back to the friendships of days gone by, 
"Wanderer," Ruston is calling you.

Ruston is calling you "Stranger,"
And welcomes you from every clime.
She challenges not your profession, 
Whether teacher, or farmer, or laborer, 
Or capitalist, or merchant, or craftsman;
But extends to all the hand of friendship; 
"Stranger," Ruston is calling you.

Ruston is calling you "Homeseeker,"
To come and live within her gates, 
And help her plan, and build, and grow, 
And serve, and live, and love, and laugh.
And share her joys, and hopes, and dreams;
"And help her build a citizenship"
"Homeseeker" Ruston is calling you.