The Old One

I was passing by a college that was building brand new dorms
Improving the quality of life above the current norms
I stood a while and watched, the construction nearly done
A magnificent sight but I kind of liked the old one
The old dorm stood behind it with plaster on its walls
And she held a special feeling for the kids who walked her halls
I asked if I could take a walk through, why, I didn’t know
I could swear I heard the voices of the students long ago
They had walked these halls sharing their laughter and their tears
And lives were touched within these walls through the passing years
Maybe I was foolish, but before I stepped outside
I sat on one of those old beds dropped my head and cried
When I sent my kids to college, I said work hard and have some fun
And if you get to choose your dorm, then choose the old one.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Buys Avatar
December 12, 2008 at 8:22 AM
Awesome Vince, takes me back to my varsity days. I too stayed in one of the older residences and I swear we had more team spirit than the new dorms. very well written. Regards Heidie
Cooper Avatar
November 6, 2008 at 6:44 AM
very poignant, makes me nostalgic for the good old college days. great read.
Wölf Avatar
November 4, 2008 at 5:20 PM
i like your poem, a observation of improving society.
Matheny Avatar
November 2, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Hey how are you on this fine but long day?
Matheny Avatar
November 1, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Thank You for commenting on my poem GoodBye!. And you're right about all of it, But this is the only place I can share how I feel about things that are goin on in my life at that certain time. . .
Matheny Avatar
November 1, 2008 at 6:33 PM
VERY GOOD POEM!!! Hey Vince I was wondering if you could read my new poem GoodBye! and tell me your thoughts. . .
Winter Avatar
November 1, 2008 at 6:51 AM
Hey how did I miss this? So sorry. It seems to be everything was built so much better way back when. Aside from the fact things are built as cheap as possible now, the older styles were simply more pleasing to the eye. I know this poem holds personal memory to treasure forever. It is so hard to say goodbye and let go sometimes. Very emotional and well expressed as always. Love, Shar
Torres Avatar
October 31, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Vince this is so heartfelt. I get emotional with things and places and certain fragrances that take you to a memory. Touching Vince. God bless you Michael
Reynolds Avatar
October 31, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Hey there my friend, you know something, I would have said the exact same thing, and that is the God's honest truth. Nothing like the old to make it all fall into place. I am an antique/ancient lover though...excellent. love K
Dewalt Avatar
October 31, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I loved this. It's sometimes difficult to let go of the symbols of the past especially when the memories are positive. Thanks for commenting on my poem.
White Avatar
October 31, 2008 at 3:21 PM
such a great and awesome tribute to college days, take care D-nyce
Jordan Avatar
October 31, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Vince this poem is amazing - No need to apologize on the blog comment - I did a two year SHU term for stabbing a molester two days before my parole date - Wife was really upset over that one but I figured his 90 day opp wasn't near enough - Gave me 8 years for cooking dope and him 90 days for molesting a kid - In retrospect perhaps it was my dope that led him down that road - If so it was my responsibly to take him off of it - So 36 hours from the gate I took my shot - God bless you Vince
Mason Avatar
October 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
This is TOO awesome, Vince!! Wonderful write and although I never went to college, I love my high school with the bricks and ivy that they have yet to replace ... thank goodness. THANK YOU so much for your comment on my blog. I was feeling a little down this a.m. but when I read the first thing you said about G.Bush moving in by Biden, I just roared ... made my day!! I am very glad you are here at the Soup my friend.
La France Avatar
October 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
so true... why does the old.. anything.. have to be changed... its a wonderful poem.. I really enjoyed reading it.. constance
Toran Avatar
October 28, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Wonderful tribute to an old memory. Great rhyme flow. Thanks for sharing. Milt
Austin Avatar
October 28, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Right on, Vince! The ivy-grown old brown stones, the Ichabod Cranish structures are what made my college special to me. Fortunately, two of them were still standing the last time I was there. As per usual, I enjoyed your poem big time. Love, daver
Petersen Potter Avatar
October 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM
Very wonderful poem, Vince. It really touched my heart when I read it.You've expressed it all so very well, indeed. Warm rgds and God bless you! Dorian
Yamin Avatar
October 28, 2008 at 9:52 AM
I am moved by your poem The Old One - a great poem, indeed. Old memories do haunt us. It seems that inspite of new technology and advancements old is still gold. In Portugal it is unlawful to demolish old buildings or change its traditional facade. Thanks for appreciating my poem The Defaulter featured this week. Mohammad
Chamma Avatar
October 25, 2008 at 4:46 AM
A great write...Conveys a special old connection...Schools and universities are looking real fancy nowadays...plundering the warmth from the halls and classes...Thank you for sharing... TYOne, Farah
Babcock Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Lots of memories cast in these old dorms. Excellent Vince. God Bless Phyl
Richards Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 12:42 PM
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to re-visit the campus of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Ca., where we first started our married life, more than 40 years ago. We were struggling with money, putting ourselves through, studying hard,but had such fun memories.It was so strange, all these year later, to see the young faces,as we strolled the campus, only this time as two older folks. It seemed as if we should be still one of them, carrying our books to class.Seemed like yesterday! ~Carrie
Brown Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Vince, I truly loved reading this. Oh if those old walls could talk. Wonderful writing. Love, Carol
Higgins Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 7:59 AM
I love this Vince. I can see this being read by an adult who is remembering her old man and how special he was. This is very, very wonderful.
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