A poem by Jill Eisnaugle.A poem by Jill Eisnaugle.This poem was written as a request from the This poem was written as a request from the poet’s 80-year old, second grade teacher. The poet’s 80-year old, second grade teacher. The poem is used, during school reunion in May, as a poem is used, during school reunion in May, as a memorial tribute to the students, who passed memorial tribute to the students, who passed away. away.

We gather here, a class once moreWe gather here, a class once moreTo reminiscence, like years beforeTo reminiscence, like years beforeUpon the days and joys we knewUpon the days and joys we knew

Before our school-aged time was throughBefore our school-aged time was throughYet, as we meet, with memories nearYet, as we meet, with memories nearWe think of those, always held dear -We think of those, always held dear -

Our friends and classmates, passed awayOur friends and classmates, passed awayTo be with God, every school day. To be with God, every school day.

They sit at desks, resting on cloudsThey sit at desks, resting on cloudsSurrounded by angelic crowdsSurrounded by angelic crowdsWhere they shall be forevermoreWhere they shall be forevermoreThe friends and schoolmates we adoreThe friends and schoolmates we adoreThey’ll be with us in every prayerThey’ll be with us in every prayerUntil the day, we join them thereUntil the day, we join them thereWithin the walls of Heaven’s classWithin the walls of Heaven’s classWhere friendships formed shall always last.Where friendships formed shall always last.

Until that hour, we join againUntil that hour, we join againAn empty chair, we will maintainAn empty chair, we will maintainIn honor of the life-long bondIn honor of the life-long bondWe forged with those, now passed beyond We forged with those, now passed beyond The friends with whom we learned life’s truthThe friends with whom we learned life’s truthWhose bonds lasted far from our youthWhose bonds lasted far from our youthAnd shall remain forever nearAnd shall remain forever nearWhen we gather, year after year.When we gather, year after year.

This is an empty room with an This is an empty room with an empty chair.empty chair.

But what is now void can yet be But what is now void can yet be filled, if only…filled, if only…

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