James

JAMES

Written By: Barry P. Foley
Copyright © 1 Sep 2022

It was the 6^th grade,first day of school
57 years ago
I made a friend for life, with just a few kind words
How were we to know

There was a new student in our class, name was James,
With anticipation in his eyes
I figured it was the right thing to do, so when we broke for lunch,
I shuffled over and said HI

CHORUS
In 1965, the year history was made
When they integrated our county schools
Black and white, learning side by side
While Senator Byrd cried like a fool

Henry and Lucille were proud parents
And they made a bold decision
To send their children right away to a new school
But, not before passing on their wis dom

Throughout our years in school, James and I remained friends
We were even both on the track team
James was a sprinter, and I was a slow 2 miler
After graduation, we left to follow our dreams

James went off to college and I joined the Navy,
Both adventures, took us far away
A reunion in 82, and for the next 40 years
We still recall that September Day

A friend for life