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Written by John J. (Penny) Panciera   
Monday, 22 March 2010 00:00

Homework!

Back in the thirties when I was a boy
We couldn’t wait to get out of school.
A sled ride down Hunter’s hill
Or ice skating on Leisure pool.

Today’s children can’t take the time
The moment they get off the bus,
It’s homework on top of homework,
No play time or any of that fuss.

Can it be that I’m old fashioned?
What’s wrong with fun after a busy day?
Build a snowman or a snowball fight?
Help a neighbor clear their driveway?

Makes you wonder how we ever made it,
Eight grades in a one-room school.
One teacher did all the work,
Get out of hand and the paddle was the rule.

Homework, yes, we had homework.
Ours required a hoe and a scoop
The hoe removed weeds from the garden,
The other in cleaning the coop.

I’ll never know which is the better,
Today’s homework or that which was mine.
From what I can see, should you ask me,
The hoe and scoop should suit kids just fine.

John J. (Penny) Panciera
Conneaut Lake