between games of dodge ball
acts of Julius Caesar
and choruses of Tom Dooley,
we learned life’s first lessons
along the Sioux Trail
you were my first friends
first heroes —
first bullies
first loves —
first heartaches
first community of life’s teachers
single file we followed each other
trusting the massive hallways
leading to the stark playground
where on cold days
we shivered together
and later thawed
each other out
our bodies jammed
in crowded stairwells
how blessed
how gracious
to stand beside you today
you who have travelled
the same early road
I remember you when
and celebrate you now
young souls
holding hands
into adulthood
along the Sioux Trail
© 1997 Julie Stevens
JULIE ANN STEVENS 
I remember you, Julie Stevens, when and celebrate you now.
–From a friend in the distant past-your past
Thank you!
I still have my copy of your excellent poem, and remember when it was delivered to Mr. Bedard. You speak for me, and likely many others from our years in North River Hills. Best, always!
Eric, thank you! Our visit with Mr. Bedard is a happy memory for me too. How very blessed we were—and are!