I remember a poem I had memorized in grammar school. It was ” October’s Party” by George Cooper.

October gave a party:

The leaves by hundreds came.

The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand.

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

It always boggles my mind that I remember this poem, after memorizing it over 50 years ago. It’s probably in my head because October was a busy month in my life. Luca, my youngest godson, had his birthday yesterday. My both brothers have birthdays a week apart and today would have been my Dad’s 99th birthday. Dad and I had memorable Octobers with Mom in later years. When they were still able to travel, we would go to Black Moshannon state park and see the changing colors of the leaves. Once in a while, we’d squeeze in a Penn State football game. I remember the delight my Pop would have at getting a strawberry ice cream cone and a chocolate ice cream cone at the Penn State Creamery. Because no mixing of flavors was allowed, he’d put one cone upside down on the other and have his double dip cone the way HE wanted it.

Perhaps it’s the fact that I am back in school as a teacher with young children around me that takes me back. Classrooms are adorned in student’s artwork of cornstalks, pumpkins and the like. I make no apology for it.

After all, “October gave a party…” How lucky am I to still be around to see it.