The following is a poem I wrote when I realized that it had been 50 years since I graduated from East Rockaway High School!-How the years have flown!  But within the tapestry of those 50 years were many wonderful memories!

The BIG Reunion 

50 years?- 50 years?

I don't know if I should laugh…..   or be crying tears??? 

How did it happen, how did time go by so fast this way,

that little guy "Mike" on his bike, from East Rockaway? 

Mr. Plunkett and Mr. Faulkner too,

if it has been 50 years since then….   heaven knows where are you????

The time has flown, some of us have even passed,

our children grown….   the years have gone by so very fast!

Time marches on to new tomorrows, and we must also learn to change,

we have had many joys and sorrows, in a rainbow range.

50 years? - 50 years?

We are the last roses of summer, and deserve Three Cheers! 

For we are bonded together in a very, very special way.

From the proud roots of our little town called….  East Rockaway,

and that wild Ocean Avenue-with that incredible bending turn,

and our beautiful High School located there, where we went learn. 

Yes, the magic of the Grand Canal and Hewlett Point Beach,

so many memories of gold, so easy to reach.

Rhame Avenue School, and Centre Avenue too,

and the good little girls from Saint Raymond's- and what -“they wouldn’t do.” 

50 years? - 50 years?

I celebrate them all!….  and cast away all my fears! 

For we are lucky to be alive, and how the world has dramatically changed in blinks!

From carbon paper, to texting, and online dating, and YouTube links.

From Rock Rivalry, to the digital age,....  the years quickly flew,

but I am still “me”……………..   and you are still “you.” 

Howdy Doody and Clarabell have left us, they have found their final fate,

but we must learn to change with the seasons, and stay up with Facebook late.

Yes, the old exchange of LYnbrook 9 or possibly 3,

has now transformed into a digital phone, with a screen we can hardly see. 

But alas we cannot complain, we are still here….    as you can tell,

yes, there has been some rain, but also many brilliant sunrises as well.

50 years? - 50 years?

Yes, so many joys-so many tears. 

Live it well, and grasp the opportunity of each new day!

and when that sunset comes, as it will…   Smile and say…

Life is a miraculous and mysterious gift, and I love it all,

it was a beautiful Summer, and a majestic Fall.

But do not fear the cold winter, it sometimes seems to be,

for if you live your life with joy, the power of love will always set you free.

Yes, every season of life can beautifully bring,

the joy of enthusiasm………..  and an eternal Spring!

                 With Love to all---Mike Jacobs