John Hodge,  “Seniors”

The Your Book, The Yearbook of Benton Township Senior High, Benton, Illinois, 1928
Old father sun arose with a sigh, But jumped up startled at what was nigh. Out of the west came trooping, Green freshmen bold and strong, In their hearts there was a quaking, But on their lips a song. Their eyes were wide with wonder, Their footsteps quick with joy. Their souls were filled with gladness As a child with a favorite toy. But old father sun quickly stilled As the recruits of knowledge swayed, Because of these sights he had his fill, For he had watched them day by day. Old father sun was sinking into the glowing west Like a giant, feathery condor awing on his way to his nest. But he raised his radiant headpiece To look at them below, And there he spied in all their peace Seniors, dignified, row on row. Their faces were lit with wondering light And all the world they know At last they have gloriously conquered; They are free to go their way; Now they must succeed or wither Theirs must be work, no play. Old father sun then bowed with a sigh, A glistening tear drop in his eye. Four years he had guarded early and late This Senior class of twenty-eight.