Worthington, PA
1933 - 1984
WORTHINGTON WEST FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1965
James Kutsch
At home last Monday retired, relaxed and calm,
An email from Donna, "How goes the poem?"
What poem I wondered. Oh shit, I forgot.
I promised to write one. Not enough time I thought.
My big mouth has really put me in a bind,
As memories and faces past race through my mind.
My nerves a bit settled and I started to ease,
My '65 classmate I couldn't displease.
Worthington West Franklin, a name from the past.
Class of 1965, we are, and we had a blast.
At that time the biggest and we felt the best.
After 48 years still head and shoulders above all the rest!!
Through the years I've met people that felt sorry for me,
Because of the small school we attended you see.
Opportunities for academics, activities, and sports were few,
Yes I agree - but I told them you don't have a clue.
We were blessed with so much more, please hear me out.
This is what a small school is all about.
Closeness, togetherness we knew each other personally not just by name.
To me that is important -- it's the name of the game.
It didn't matter where you lived or what clothes you wore,
To the best of my knowledge, one was never ignored.
With teachers on a personal basis we were,
To them you weren't just a him or a her.
Where else could you be punished and kept after school,
To be driven home by the teacher that disciplined -- wasn't that cool?
Always to Craigsville or Lairds and Yellow Dog we would go,
Even when the roads were covered with snow.
Chappy Marshall.... I will never forget you - you were the best.
Unfortunately we always put you to the test.
Mac McCleary, his buddy, who had nerves of steel,
He taught all of us to get behind the wheel.
Good, Trulick, Pro and Dudek - Oh what a gem!!!
Sponging food from the girls until x-lax they gave him.
Kiel, Lettie, Moreau, Delp and McBride,
All very professional, all taught with utmost pride.
In the end office were Miss Hillberry and Mr. McCoy,
And if you were sent there, Oh boy!!
I was sent there once, with Hodak, because of our hair,
We wanted to look like the Beattles but Big John didn't care.
We even called the janitor, Mr. Benton, out of respect.
What a great guy! We were being correct.
I thank each one because in their own way,
They were responsible for what we are today.
Class of 1965 - oh so long ago.
We all turn 66 this year you know.
All have endured many changes since that graduation day.
Except for me, that is, I think I still look the same way.
Balding men and gray haired women certainly the norm,
But then again age 66 it's the calm before the storm.
Teeth in a jar, hearing aids and yes diapers for some,
Our seventies just around the corner, yes! That's the rule of thumb.
Dan's Atlantic, Henry's, Bish's and the Corner Drug Store,
The Laundromat, the Hardware, the Feed Store and more .
Was it Cherry or Bear Street, my memory is fading fast.
Where was McDonalds my kids would later ask.
We grew up having little and most of us were the same.
No cell phones, tablets or electronic games.
My grandkids, like yours, constantly on these things on their butts.
I mention, go outside and play, they look at me like "Are you nuts?"
A word to our classmates that have been called away,
In a better place, we'll all be together again some day.
How about a hundred year reunion in 2065?
You guys set it up for when we all arrive.
When I hang with a group of people Your Age,
I always notify the authorities so we're on the same page.
EMT's are on standby and oxygen is near,
Some one going down is my biggest fear.
Thank you for coming, now I gotta go.
We should have started, this dinner thing, a long time ago.
Friends in the sixties and hopefully still are,
Worthington West Franklin Class of 1965, we are the best by far.