Valentines' Day At Millville Grade School

As the autumn of my life approaches, a bit of 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 decorated 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, popcorn and chocolate milk,
And heart-shaped candies saying "Love" 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 delightful joy!
I fear that the children 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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Herrick Avatar
February 18, 2024 at 3:46 AM
Miss Ruth sounds nice, I may have thought of her as .y valentine, had she been my teacher. (I had a few crushes on my teachers). It is very important that each child gets a couple valentines at least, a good teacher does a secret admirer and watchful eye.
Hinshaw Avatar
February 18, 2024 at 6:25 AM
Thank you, Jude, for your kind comments. We had to submit a card for each one in our class so no one would be left out. Miss Ruth was my teacher for grades 1-3 and she was a jewel. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - Bob H
Brotherton Avatar
February 15, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Thanks for the walk down memory lane, my friend.
Hinshaw Avatar
February 16, 2024 at 4:50 PM
Thanks, Jerry. Those were the good old days when life was more sublime! Best on you - Bob H
Rodrigues Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 2:55 PM
Love your write! Innocence released in the past…the present misses out, sadly.
Hinshaw Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 3:26 PM
Thank you, Kim. Great memories. Best to you and Happy Valentine Day - Bob H
Romios Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 2:41 PM
Awesome! Since I went to All Girls Schools for 12 years, i never got to have exacrly the same fun, but we made Valeentine cards as well as exchaged the commercial onnes, My Dad, on every holiday briought in cases of Pop, boxes of chips, pretzels, and candy,.I would have have loved your class and Miss Ruth. And wouuld eddies school have sent yoo a card! A Fav from me! PR
Hinshaw Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 3:25 PM
Thanks, Pangie. I'm honored you consider it a fav! - Bob H
Bauer Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 2:10 PM
a delightful reminiscence, bob! my grandkids (ages 8 & 10) still celebrate valentine's day in their school, but everyone has to bring in a card for everyone in the class so no one feels left out. i love your description of miss ruth and am glad that she gets the recognition she definitely deserved...
Hinshaw Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 2:19 PM
Thank you so much, Ilene, for reminiscing with me. We also had to provide a card for everyone and I tried to include that in the write but ran out of ideas and space. Miss Ruth was my first teacher and I was in her class 1st thru 3d grade. In those days all 3 classes were in one room - I'm really revealing my age!!! Happy Valentine Day - Bob H
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