Remembering

I remember the first time I heard the word college, a word unheard most of my young life, Asked my daddy what it meant, you do not need it he replied because you will be a wife. I persisted this quest at the age of sixteen, because I knew teachers had to have it. Quickly and fully understanding there was no money for it, unless I did my bit. I worked after school every day, weekends too, at the local grocery store Old Blue. Only spent one check in three years, and knew I would have to work the summers too. Saved fifteen hundred dollars, should have gone to a junior college, instead of one with a U. Thinking they all cost the same money, I kept working and saving a lot harder than I needed to. Forty eight years later I have raised three daughters, none of them were ever told to wife. They got their education young and fast, seeing the pain of mine as I went through all kinds of strife. It took me twenty-five years to get my education, and they watched me struggle, hard and true. We never wanted to work that hard, they told me, and my suffering helped them sail smoothly through. Remembering back I do not blame daddy, his eight grade education fed and clothed us well. As to any missed opportunities, I smile. My college degrees have taken me through heaven and hell. Remembering that knowledge is power, and a work ethic is difficult to instill without work, I am glad to say I lived a great life, that taught me to value an honest day, and did not allow me to shirk. Remember Poetry Contest Sponsor: Shadow Hamilton Date: 9-3-2018