Years of My Life

A Journey from 1944 to … Now

1982–83 School Year

Harmon Middle School

Yes! I was back at Harmon, and

I would not leave again …

Well, not till I retired, that is.

(Retirement’s not a sin.)

I knew most of the teachers, but

It still felt kind of weird:

The kids were new (to me, of course),

And so I found I feared

(A little) how my days would go.

But things grew smooth (I sighed).

And I felt back at home again—

And it was quite a ride.

And German? Yes, I taught it then—

Both German I and II.

And I was barely competent—

Was glad when it was through.

And eighth-grade English—grew to love

That level and the kids—

Though 13-year-olds (as you may know)

Can be like slippery squids—

And mad as hatters (Alice knows)—

Of that there’s no debate.

But, otherwise, I loved those kids—

Had cause to celebrate!

I did a show, my first year back—

A show about E.T.

The classes, stage—that Harmon School!

Oh, all seemed heavenly!