THE LITTLE WHITE SHOOLHOUSE...a poem

This is a poem I wrote for a school reunion
about 15 years ago.

The Little White Schoolhouse

The little white schoolhouse
On the side of the hill,
Though years have passed
I remember it still.

There was only one room,
Grades ten down to one
But we learned the three Rs
And we had lots of fun.

There was no running water
In the school on the hill,
But we'd fetch it with the kettle
And drink to our fill.

I remember the blackboards
With the maps rolled up tight.
The library books,
And the globe on the right.

We had Red Cross once a month
Where each child got a pin.
The spelling bees were lots of fun
And we tried our best to win.

Anti-over and red light
And Red Rover too,
Were the games that we played
To name but a few.

So much fun we'd be having
I remember it well,
When lunch time was over
Teacher rang that old bell!

In winter we'd skate
On the pond with great glee.
I remember the year
Through the ice you could see!


Slikding down the big hill
Kept us amused.
If you didn't own a sled
Then, oil cloth you used.

I remember the rides
On the horse and sleigh
With the buffalo skin 'round us
We'd sit on some hay.

And the concert at Christmas
When all would take part,
In skits and in singing
And reciting by heart.

We used sheets for the curtains
And sold fudge by the door,
The room was kept cozy
By the stove on the floor.

We had no fancy sneakers
Or brand-name clothes
We wore overshoes with buckles
And were thankful for those.

There were days we'd walk home
With mud to our knees,
And sometimes in winter
We thought we would freeze.

No, I don't forget it,
And I never will,
The little white schoolhouse
On the side of the hill.