Weathered and Gray

A fence rail weathered and gray
By rain, sun, storm, of many season's day 
Hear I the whispering echoes of a tree
Once a mighty bough with nesting birds it be

With purpose anew it stands ever firm

Its beauty shall we in heart discern

It holds many a tale in its present disguise

Life, time and a knowing wise.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo Credit: redandthepeanut.blogspot.com

Once a Mighty Bough ~ Tappan, New York

A fence rail weathered and gray
By rain, sun, storm, of many season's day
Hear I the whispering echoes of a tree
Once a mighty bough with nesting robins it be
The tree its gift yet to be, yet to live
A perch for the robin it does give
The robin sings its song knowing wise
It perches upon the tree's present disguise
And I in stillness and delight do hear
The song of the robin perched ever so near
It heralds Spring and all blossoming bright
Such blessings of Creation, the warming light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Fence Post Lookout, Photograph, Stephen Baird, http://www.nikonsniper.blogspot.com

This My Home Town

Description
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tappan (pronouncded tuh-PAN) is a hamlet (and a census-designated place) in the Town of Orangetown Rockland County, New York, United States located north of Old Tappan, New Jersey; east of Nau...raushaun and Pearl River; south of Blauvelt and west of Palisades and Sparkill. The population was 6,757 at the 2000 census.

History

The Tappan were a Lenape people who inhabited the region radiating from Hudson Palisades and New York – New Jersey Highlands at the time of European colonialization in the 17th century.

1691

The first County Courthouse was built in Tappan, though by 1737, sessions alternated between Tappan and Goshen.

1711

The first school house in Rockland County was built in Tappan. It was used as a school until 1860. There would not be another school in the county until late in the 18th century.

And for you to Enjoy...

Tappan: A Walk Through History ~ http://www.tappantown.org/