Two Acres from Juror #9 by Michael C Kelly

For forty years, I introduced myself to my students as having been raised in the centre of the universe. When asked where that was, I had them guess. Some named their hometowns, while others picked larger cities like Toronto or New York. We often had a lot of fun identifying the key characteristics of each of these places. I think this helped us understand their characters and diversities. Eventually, I would acquiesce and name my hometown - Chelmsford. This song is a nostalgic look back to that wonderful place.

Tracklist

3.	Two Acres	2:55

Lyrics

Verse 1
They followed the billows from a train
Long before a mighty highway came
And in between those years
They shed many tears
When called up to fight a war again

Verse 2
Settled in a chokecherry pasture
Nestled on an Anishnawbek plain
They farmed in the clay
And mined along the way
For a place they were proud to call their own.

Chorus
That’s the hometown I remember
That’s the hometown I love
Two acres of land
A place to take a stand
Raise a family with a plan to prosper

Bridge
There’s an empty lot next door
Room to press our games of conquer
You and I were there
With bruises, unaware
Imagining trophies of our own.

Verse 3
I hear the bells of St. Joseph
On the steps of a downtown jewelry store
I still see that lady finger-picking
On a sandy Whitson River shore

Chorus(2)
That’s the hometown I remember
That’s the hometown I love
Two acres of land
And a place to take a stand
Raise a family with a plan to prosper

Credits

from Juror #9, track released October 4, 2024
Performing photo embedded in cover art courtesy of Ray Thoms.

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