Memories of Esther

By Marjorie Girard

As I think of people I’ve known and all their dear faces

My memories include Esther, one of my favourite places.

Of the hot days of summer and winters so cold

Of mingling together all ages young and old.

Of siblings with whom I spent most of my days

Of fighting and working and lots of fun plays.

Of the one room school where new things we did learn

Of those sweet carefree days in my heart I often yearn.

I think of the town where I spent my formative years

There was much joy and laughter and quite often some tears.

And right on the corner of the one road in town

Was Mr. Balls’ general store where goodies did abound.

When you got your allowance of a nickel each week

You’d run to the store for the perfect candy you’d seek.

Oh the smells in that store from the well oiled floor

To that huge round block of cheese

Where the storekeeper stood with the big knife in his hand

To cut off as much as you please.

The gas pump stood tall in front of the store

It wasn’t just groceries; it was oh so much more.

It was meeting other folk with all different views

It was visiting and chatting, catching up on the news.

It was learning who was sick and maybe sometimes died

It was sharing bits and pieces of your sorrows and your pride.

It was being face to face with others just like you

Talking about your lives and the daily things you’d do.

And the small country garage stood right across the street

Where the men in their coveralls would gather to meet.

They’d bring their farm implements that needed some care

For the welder was very good; it was known everywhere.

And around the corner and just down the way

Was the library, post office open each week day.

The postmaster was kindly, from England he came

A great actor he was, Fred Foot was his name.

On a little farther stood the Esther elevator, so tall

Waiting for its bountiful deposit each fall

Where the trucks would be lined up way back to the store

Just waiting their turn to get in that elevator door

To drive on the scale where their load would be weighed

Resulting in a cheque whereby the farmer was paid.

There was great rejoicing when the harvest was good

And lots of lamenting when it didn’t produce as it should.

The hub of activity with winter’s snow on the ground

Was the curling rink where people gathered around.

Some came just to observe, some came just to play

But whatever the reason, it was always a good day.

You could buy a burger, a hot dog or a great piece of pie

And sit there and watch the game as the hours flew by.

The little church in the summer was quite the outreach

With the United Church students who’d come there to preach.

I can never forget that grand community hall

That was built with such spirit by one and all.

Where dances were held and many other celebrations

Of school Christmas concerts and various presentations.

The people were hard working and mostly all kind

The salt of the earth in that area you’d find.

Esther, oh Esther you were mighty fine in your day

And in my fond recollections that is how you will stay.