The Old School Desk

Today, meandering through the clutter of the local antique store, I almost tripped and fell over an object partially hidden on the floor! My hands came to rest on an old-fashioned school desk sitting there. It reminded me of the one I occupied in my school days, I do declare! My thoughts drifted back through the misty past to reminisce and ponder. As I caressed its oaken surface with my fingers, I began to wonder. Did it once grace a simple one-room prairie schoolhouse in Indiana? Might it have come from a rustic schoolroom in the state of Montana? The slanting top of the old desk was scratched and with ink was stained. I saw faint initials carved by an idle lad whose attention span had waned! The varnish was worn off the folding seat by many a squirming kid. Wads of chewing gum still adorned the underside of the folding lid! I recalled sitting at one of those uncomfortable desks trying to stay awake! As Miss Ruth droned on and on, all I could think of was the recess break! The room reeked of oranges and fried egg sandwiches we'd bring to munch. Kids of means paid a dime to eat finer fare in the lunchroom for their lunch! I recalled the thwack on my knuckles of Miss Ruth's ruler to get my attention, And what awaited me at home for misbehavior with growing apprehension! (A clerk noting my glazed eyes asked, "May I help you sir? Is anything amiss?" "Nah", I replied. "If you please, I'd like to stand here awhile and reminisce!") Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved