Daria Doering

Named after wine grapes

A Midwest town in California’s own backyard

Brick buildings on a brief main street

Grain elevators, water tank, and feed stores.

Dusty farm town

Has a bewitching beauty.

The heat gives rise

To huge spreading trees.

Modest houses, vacant lots,

There’s actually enough land,

Plus a languid pace

And a family feeling.

Vintage stone courthouse

With antique clock tower,

Now a museum

In the center of town.

Veteran’s Memorial park surrounds it

With grass covering the square block.

Rustic concrete benches beckon

Ones to enter through the arbor gateway.

Etched stone monuments

To veterans off Korean, Vietnam, and 2^nd World War.

“Forever remembered, Forever loved,”

They commemorate the fallen for all time.

People actually gather there.

Brown men with sombreros, couples and babies,

Reminds me of Mexico

In a nice way.