Honors

     Last year(2010,) my sister Denise was helping to organize her high school class reunion, (she was co-vice president along twin brother Dennis) and a dear family friend, and supporter of my poetry, who I will call Bim, (because that’s her name) who was also a part of that graduating class and organizational committee, asked me if I would write something as a remembrance of their classmates who had passed on, who were, and still are, a part of their class.  They had it enlarged, printed and displayed on an easel at the entrance to the room. I am told it was very well received, and I am proud and pleased that I could be of service to them. As I knew a lot of their classmates, some of whom, were among those being honored, it took on a more personal agenda and I trust you will like it. Friendship week continues tomorrow with “Sarah’s Request.“

Thank you all,

Jake.

Honors

When memories, with time, do fade,

then gentle reminders, need be made,

that what is now,

has not always been.

Come, let’s remember,

our lost friends.

Remember when they walked the halls,

and by their nicknames, they were called,

their demeanors,

and their smiles,

and for some,

their funky styles.

Remember the studious,

the clown, the jock,

the spirit free, not bound by clock.

But, whichever class,

you see them in,

they were classmates, and our friends.

— May They Rest in Peace —

                                                                                                        Jack Downing

                                                                                                        June 2010