Favorite poem of Kumen Jones

"OUT WHERE THE WEST BEGINS"
   Arthur Chapman © 1917-1918

Out where the handclasp's a little stronger,
Out where the smile dwells a little longer,
That's where the West begins;
Where there's more of singing and less of sighing,
Where there's more of giving and less of buying,
And a man makes friends without half trying,
That's where the West begins.
Out where the mountains are a little higher,
Out where the climate is a little drier,
That's where the West begins,
Where most all folks are neighbors,
Take interest in each other's labor,
And each thought with sympathy savors,
Out where the West begins.
Out where the sun shines brighter,
The air you breathe is lighter,
That's where the West begins.