Show Me the Place, 8

“Show me the place.”

Duke Senior in As You Like It (2.1)

8: Dodge Court; Hiram, Ohio; August 1956.

We moved into our old new house—

A “campus housing” place.

The floors were rippled—some rooms small—

But this would be our base.

A deep ravine was right nearby—

With vines we’d swing upon.

It’s true my brother broke his arm—

And was so woebegone.

I learned to love our Hiram years—

Deep in my boyhood soul.

The woods were close (for Robin Hood!)—

Our furnace, fired with coal!

I ran around—and made new friends—

Our dog* was happy, too.

Although he killed a neighbor’s cat—

He soon learned what to do.

I made some great new friends back then—

And some are still in touch.

Those Hiram years still resonate—

And move me very much.

*Sooner

Four generations of Lanterman-Osborn-Dyer
in front of our house in Dodge Court
1956? 57?