State College, Pennsylvania, is where I spent my youth.
It’s not the name of a college (honestly, that’s the truth!)
Though Penn State University’s main campus is rooted there.
The nickname is “Happy Valley” (I’m not kidding you, I swear!).
Thoughts of a joyful childhood are dancing around in my brain
Of this lovely town I called my home, as I turn onto “Memory Lane.”
I lived in College Heights Borough, just north of PSU.
A pleasant, carefree neighborhood where my love of nature grew.
The tree-lined streets and the houses constructed of brick and stone
Made me feel secure and safe, even while venturing alone.
Sunset Park I frequented at the end of Jackson Street.
I played basketball, swung on swings — that’s where my friends would meet.
Parks and Recreation staff held activities during summer
Until the Labor Day weekend, then school resumed (oh, bummer!).
One of the things I did a lot, a favorite memory,
Was climb up trees with a notepad to write my poetry.
I also had a sketchbook and with pencil I would draw
Pictures of my little world, illustrating what I saw:
The lush, green hills and meadows, the glorious sky and trees.
I relished being held in nature’s arms and savored the gentle breeze.
As I reminisce, is this a delusion? Is it starting to feel wintry?
Like when the snow falls from the clouds and covers ol’ Mount Nittany.
I still love to view that mountain beyond Beaver Stadium
Where Nittany Lions play football, where Joe Paterno hailed from.
That great Coach walked to and from work, past the house where I lived.
His home abutted Sunset Park (as a teen I babysat his kids!).
After graduating from State College Area High School,
I landed a job as secretary at a downtown law firm (cool!).
About a year later, I moved away from this place that was my home.
Long married, now settled in Bakersfield (a classmate is farther, in Rome!),
In four decades I lost touch with friends from beautiful Happy Valley.
Some of us reconnected via Facebook (it’s like a rally!).
Often we “chat” about our memories of living in this fine city,
Where we learned a great work ethic and strong sense of community.
I’m looking forward to visiting in the middle of May this year,
To spend time with my family and friends whom I cherish and hold dear.
As I breathe that fresh, clean air once more, feasting my eyes on the foliage,
I’ll fondly remember my yesteryears residing in State College.
