Happy Returns

I turn off U.S. 30 at an exit for Ames and see Jack Trice Stadium expanded. Memories stir of football games the jubilation and sorrow found on the field more than forty years ago where campus heroes were made. Three blocks away from campus The Towers dormitories still reach into the sky, my fraternity in their shadows is now a bed and breakfast. Brothers there always said the biggest lessons are learned out of class. I take in the sight of the Iowa State Campus and in my heart live there again. I see myself sitting behind a coed in Psychology when I gazed at her long, light blonde hair/ Now my mind replays our conversation when I drove across town with her after a Friday get-together. The song, The Joker, played on the radio and spoke to every desire felt in my heart. Now I call out her name and wonder where she’s gone. The sun breaks through the clouds as I pass through town for another time such joy found as I live those times again.