Old School

Off to school in morning dark, Passing through the village park. Caught the light at Hill and Main. Crossed the tracks before the train. Past the houses and the stores, Up the hill and through the doors. Sat in silence, row by row, Watched the clock tick, slow by slow. Heard the bell ring in the hall, What I learned I can’t recall. Made my way back down the hill. Steps on sidewalk echo still. If you step upon a crack, Sure to break your mother’s back. Turned the corner at our street, Thoughts of learning in retreat. Years have come and years have gone, Boy inside me lingers on.