Mary L. Ireton

New Richmond, Ohio

I have been writing poetry since I was fourteen. I am from a large family, my education consist of some high school and night school. I am a member of Laurel United Methodist Church, National Arbor Day Foundation, National Audubon Society, Cinn. Nature Center, Otterbein Auxiliary, Historic New Richmond, past president of school P.T.A. United Methodist Women, and Fortnightly (a literary club). I have written my autobiography, written news for local newspapers, organized and written plays, and did filing and records for school clinic. I also do floral arranging, tole painting, and herb gardening. I designed the village flag and I've had my poetry published in local newspapers.

Memories (Of A One Room School House)

If you listen very carefully
I'm sure that you can hear,
the shuffling of many footsteps
in the school house standing near.

The call to attention by the teacher,
the clatter of lunch pails put on shelves,
the pledge of allegiance to the flag,
the singing of a song - not too well.

The learning of the three "R's" with time left,
of course to tease, putting pigtails in the ink
well while hoping teacher doesn't see.

Shouts of laughter on the playground,
echo down through many years,
standing empty in the shadows is the school I love so dear.

Well worn steps embrace the doorway,
the bell in the belfry still hangs high,
the old well pump, though rusty,
stands in the weeds near by.

The paint has peeled from the clapboards revealing scars
of yesteryear makes me think of all my schoolmates,
and I wish that they were here.