That Old School

by Tod Christensen

Which is just as well because she should be treated with reverence and awe

Because of the memories she created and all the lives that she saw I touch the spot on the wood floor stairway to see if it still squeaks As the silent shadows of the memories around the corners try to peek

I go into the old gym and it’s smaller than I remember

But it was always packed when the snow started falling deep in December

I can still hear the cheers and the sound of the band

Maybe no state titles but those memories are still grand

I feel a sense of comfort as I continue to explore

Like she is speaking to me and wants me to see just a little bit more

Like an elderly relative just waiting out her last days

Thankful for a visitor that breaks up her thousand-mile gaze

As I sneak out the same way that I came

Past the mural on the wall and our mascot;s name

I am struck by how anyone could be so thoughtless and cruel

As to so casually refer to her as that old school