A Moment to Myself

Many Oregon Trail pioneers left behind their families, homes, friends, heirlooms, most books, music and other comforts not likely to be found on the trail. As a result, finding an occasional private moment to enjoy a few uplifting lines of prized prose or poetry in a treasured volume became a welcomed source of solace during the often trying, troubling times.
"Alone in my mind,With memories refined,The finer literature and learning I recall.So, through essay and song,Those most looked-up to, lived on;And weren't left behind, after all."