From the Class of 1954 comes this poem that might ring bells for many readers.

The Country I Once Knew

Kids played outside forever

Till darkness grew and grew.

And Santa was a real live person

In the country I once knew.

We gathered at the dinner table

To tell a tale or two

And share a meal together

In the country I once knew.

Dad went to work and paid the bills

Our wants and needs were few.

Mom cooked the meals and did the wash

In the country I once knew.

Integrity and honor

Were words that came on cue.

And marriage was forever

In the country I once knew.

How to split the atom

No one had a clue.

But Roy and Dale were sweethearts

In the country I once knew.

Dorothy was a darling

The witch was just a shrew.

Groucho lived forever

In the country I once knew.

George and Tom were leaders

Our colors red, white and blue.

Abe will be immortal

In the country I once knew.

It’s time to say goodbye for now

Adieu to you and you.

I wished you could have lived with me

In the country I once knew.

                                                                                          Peter McManus

                                                                                                      February 2013