CLASSMATES REMEMBERED - OCTOBER, 2006
by
Theresa O'Connor
She turned on her computer and plopped in her chair
She scrolled the pages and began to stare.
"Classmates Remembered" - she clicked on-
Triggering tears - because they were gone.
Beginning to reminisce - though no longer young -
She thought about the lockers and the pictures that were hung.
Making up stories that always proved to be a hoax
Writing notes on the blackboard and whispering jokes.
The National Honor Society and all the pep rallies -
Sneaking off school grounds and meeting in alleys.
The cafeteria, the lunches and all the teachers -
Clapping loudly standing in the bleachers.
"Classmates Remembered" once walked the halls -
They jumped, they ran, they smacked at those walls.
The Flashlight and staff - just waiting to hear it -
The drama, the plays and the Trojan spirit.
It was plain ole acceptance - across the board -
Your housing didn't matter or what you could afford.
Remembering those classmates - that since have died -
Memories of us walking side by side.
Our immaturity and ignorance - it just seemed okay -
Because the world and its darkness were kept at bay.
Before they left - there were some things they took -
Things not found in any book.
When we laughed so hard - our bellies shook -
Some of our laughter - that's what they took.
When we felt as if our hearts would break -
Some of our sorrow - the agreed to take.
Sometimes they'd help us before we'd even ask -
When homework assignments were too tough a task.
Long before they were ready to leave -
Together - we enjoyed just being naive.
We were all on the same page - so unaffected -
All on the same page - and so connected.
A moment of silence as your name is read -
A moment of silence as I bow my head.
As a former classmate - that's the least I can do -
And as a former classmate - that's my tribute to you.
WELLSTON HIGH SCHOOL - you bestowed truth
And with much gratefulness - we gave you our youth.
Theresa O'Connor King
Class 1963