It has been fifty years since Miss Heindle
conjugated while adjusting her undies.
Miss Weaver began French class
in German.
Mr. Clark roused the stands.
And our class tree was chopped down.
It has been fifty years since…
Mrs Jenny explained hypotenuse,
Mr. Reed's keyboard filled our gym,
America came alive through William B Neal,
and the elegant Harry Horatio Young
Led us up to Cumulus and Nimbus.
We were smart enough to know
the Clarion was masterful,
Miss Shadd was worth the time,
Miss Wocko drove excellence,
Mrs. McDonald's slip
Had no place below her hem,
And Mr Brewer had actually retired
several years earlier than 1962.
It has been fifty years since
Morning announcements blared out
Trumpeting another day,
Bob jitterbugged with Justine,
We ate Dynamiter sundaes,
Brandished hockey sticks
wearing pinnies
and holding soap never knowing water,
shouting Observing to Miss Hay.
It has been fifty years since
we held dances, raised money, helped others
And made plans to change the world.…
Then the stately red brick building closed its doors on our time.
Diploma and autographed yearbook in tow,
Eager and wide-eyed,
Afraid and unsure,
We left that safe haven on the road to today.
We have married, some divorced,
Had children and grandchildren,
Known sadness and success,
Turned grey…
And grown wiser.
Lost classmates,
And lost touch.
After so many years
We meet again,
Perhaps for the last,
To celebrate the time
When all was before us.
We delight in the joys,
Give comfort for any loss,
Remembering the innocent incipience
We shared together
a half century ago
at P.S. duPont.
Marsha Zutz Borin
Class of ‘62