Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Valentines' Day At Millville Grade School

As the autumn of my life approaches, some memory fades,
But I still recall very special times from my primary grades.
We did things then, now considered politically incorrect,
Enjoying Valentine and Halloween parties - no one did object!

The Valentine party was the social event of the school year.
Kids secretly expressed affection for that very special dear.
They deposited their cards in a box covered with colorful crepe;
Walls were bedecked with hearts of every size and shape!

Someone scrawled on the blackboard, "We Love You Miss Ruth!"
And below were scribbled the names of her adoring youth.
Valentines cost two for a penny in those uncluttered days;
A cheap way to express puppy-love in such endearing ways.

As the cards were distributed, secret admirers gave a shy grin;
Boys received saccharine cards much to their chagrin.
Miss Ruth served cookies, cocoa and chocolate milk,
And heart-shaped candies saying 'Mine' or something of that ilk!

Miss Ruth gave a special hug to every girl and boy.
Her love and care topped off a day of consummate joy!
I fear that the children of today may never again enjoy,
The simple pleasures I knew that today some vow to destroy!

Now I wonder if in this day and age where anything goes,
If children are even permitted their affection to disclose?
Or have the politically correct creeps decreed it ain't okay,
For kids to celebrate innocent love on Saint Valentines' day!

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Lindsay Laurie February 16, 2019 at 6:40 PM G'day Bob … St Valentines Day is just a fairly recent arrival, so when I went to school we had never heard of it, however, your poem gives a very positive perspective on what the day is what it meant to you all - thank you Bob - Lindsay

Carolyn Devonshire February 14, 2019 at 12:50 PM I don't know what the politically correct think of Valentine's Day, but your poem is filled with youthful joy and takes the reader back a few decades. Most children wanted to receive many, many Valentines. I just wanted one from my grade-school crush. Delightful, Bob! Happy Valentine's Day, Carolyn Robert L. Hinshaw February 14, 2019 at 3:30 PM Thank you, Carolyn, and a Happy Valentine's Day to you as well! Bob

Bobby May February 13, 2019 at 10:48 AM I loved those days thank you for the memory, very well written Robert!! Robert L. Hinshaw February 13, 2019 at 12:26 PM Thank you, Bobby. Glad it brought back some memories for you. Bob

Ilene Bauer February 13, 2019 at 10:14 AM a wonderful nostaglic reminder of the way things used to be, bob! for valentine's day at my grandson's school, each child in his kindergarten class has to bring in a valentine for every child in the class so that no one feels left out. i guess you never really know who's sweet on you, though! Robert L. Hinshaw February 13, 2019 at 12:29 PM Thank you, Ilene. I'm happy that Henry's kindergarten class still observes Valentine Day. I thought with all the craziness going on nowadays that schools discouraged such things. Happy Valentines' Day to you and Henry - Bob

Tom Cunningham February 13, 2019 at 7:13 AM Loved your verse Robert, how lovely things were back then. I know you have to keep children safe because of paedophiles' etc but I think it has gone way over the top. If a teacher gave a child an affectionate hug today they would be arrested for assault or abuse. Tom. Robert L. Hinshaw February 13, 2019 at 12:31 PM Thank you Tom. I appreciate your gracious comments. Best to you and yours this Valentines' day and all the days to come - Bob H