Upon Learning That a Town Exists in Virginia Called Upperville
By John Updike (1961)
In Upperville, the upper crust
say “Bottoms Up!” from dawn to dusk
and “Ups-a-daisy, dear!” at will
I want to live in Upperville.
One-upmanship is there the rule,
and children learn, at school,
“The Rise of Silas Lapham” and
why gravitation has been banned.
High hamlet, but my mind’s eye sees
Thy ruddy uplands, lofty trees,
Upsurging streams, and towering dogs,
There are no valleys, dumps or bogs.
Depression never dares intrude
upon their sweet upswinging mood;
Downcast, long-fallen, let me go
to where the cattle never low.
I’ve always known there was a town
just right for me; I’ll settle down
and be uplifted all day long —
Fair Upperville, accept my song.
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