School Reunion (Poetry)

I remember how the school hymn thundered out
words familiar from the throats of girls I knew.
Some that sang with gusto — primed to shout
those lines by heart — their earnestness cut through
while others mumbled — lips inclined to pout
they mouthed away — their timing almost true.

Six hundred faces, give or take a few
plus a dozen staff or so crammed in that hall —
a wave of sound, a sea of navy blue
and something in the air that held them all —
a common goal to aim for and pursue
instilled so deep — yet never past recall...

The ideals we were given have not dulled
despite the many years lost inbetween.
Though age has dimmed the sight and senses lulled
and life has made me doubt what morals mean
whoever thought old values could be culled
mistakes tradition’s quaint but strong machine.

It all survives in pockets here and there —
respect, good manners, loyalty, faith and truth —
all those things were taught with love and care
poured out in song to rouse and raise the roof!
Though our school is gone — that institution rare —
its spirit lives. We few the lasting proof.