2001 James McIntyre Poetry Contest Winners

Pre-school - Grade 2
Best poem
First

All Kinds of Construction
by Keenan Brunklaus

All kinds of construction
Diggers, Tractors, Trucks
Bulldozers, Dumpstrucks, Backhoes
Making holes in the road
I like to see
All kinds of construction

Pre-school - Grade 2
Best poem
Second

Our Town
by Hannah Brunklaus

Our town may be small
but its big on fun
I love Ingersoll
It has something for everyone

Pre-school - Grade 2
Best poem
Third

Scooter
by Holly Brunklaus

Scooter can walk
Scooter can trot
Scooter gets carrots
Scooter eats his carrots
all gone!

Grades 3-4
Rhyming Poem
First

Gremlins
by Michael Mitchell

Near My little window on my little wall sit's a
little Gremlin that doesn't talk at all. He shines so
bright he could be my night light. When I bring
breakfast in he always has a grin and then I sort of know
he'll just dig in.

Grades 3-4
Rhyming Poem
Second

Mighty King
by Donna Devost

I'm going to be a mighty
king so enemys beware Well
I've never seen a king or beast
with much to little hair, I'm
working on my jumps I'm
working on my hunts I don't
know how to soar and I'm still
working on my roar I'm a lion cub
with sharp little teeth not much of a hunting
but a lot of meat I like showing off my
golden fur and like rolling in the grass with a pur pur pur

Grades 3-4
Rhyming Poem
Third

September Is...
by Abby Leake

September is
When bells are ringing
Teachers are teaching
Students are reading
Dogs are barking
Birds are whistling
And the mice are fast asleep.


Grades 3-4
Other (ie free verse, acrostic)
First

September Is...
by Sarah Wilkens

The halls are quiet
Not a sound
Not a peep
The erasers pencils and
rulers are ready to
make their marks
September is here
The halls are ringing
with laughter and learning
The playgrounds are
full with children laughing
and playing!

Grades 3-4
Other (ie free verse, acrostic
Second

September Is...
by Eric Housworth

September is when a
school bravely waits
for children to get off
their buses and teachers
to get out of their cars.
When the doors open the
kids scamper through the
hall screaming and yelling.

Grades 3-4
Other (ie free verse, acrostic)
Third

September Is...
by Brittany Roelen

When leaves fall it
Starts to rain, when
the wind blows it
blows in my face.
When the leaves fall
it Whistles my
name. The leaves
can fall anywhere.

Grades 5-6
Rhyming Poem
First

My Little Window
by Jennie Mitchell

Through my little window on the wall on the right,
I see my little town change from day to night.
Through my window, I also see,
Flying through the flowers, a little bumble bee.
I can also see the seasons, change from winter to spring,
Then through my little window, I hear the birds sing.
Through my little window I can see, the stars shining bright,
They provide me light in the middle of the night.
I love my little window even though its not alive,
Its like a portal to a different world, the world of outside.

Grades 5-6
Rhyming Poem
Second

Cheese
by Jennie Mitchell

Cheese is the perfect thing,
For every meal,
It goes with anything,
Though it may not appeal.

Cheese goes with hambergers,
Hotdogs and toast,
Cheese goes with anything,
But of coarse I won't boast.

There's cheese and zuchini,
Cheese and ice cream,
Cheese and bananas
There's so much I could scream.

Cheese with tomatoes.
Even cheese with kiwi,
Cheese with cucumbers,
And its all just for me.

Cheese goes with brussel sprouts,
And if you haven't yet wheezed
Just say to me please,
And I'll give you some cheese.

Grades 5-6
Other (ie free verse, haiku, limerick)
First

On my neighbour's porch
by Nathan Vatcher

On my neighbour's porch,
A dog dreams of a hard bone.
On a hot summer's day.

Grades 5-6
Other (ie free verse, haiku, limerick)
Second

Feelings
by Cheyenne Allen

Anger is a volcano about to erupt.
Happiness is the sun, bright and yellow.
Sadness is the snow, cold and white
Embarrassment is a pink rose, about to burst with odour.
Seriousness is astern parent, who means what they say.

Grades 5-6
Other (ie free verse, haiku, limerick)
Third

Diatris Lady of the Elves
by Jennie Mitchell

Running through the forest, in the early dew, her feet without shoes
make no noise. Her fair feet sparkle with the sweet smelling dew.
She runs and dances gay and free. Her clear sweet laugh runs
warmly through your body. Her face is fairer than ever one could be.
Her eyes are like pools of a thousand years of joy, but yet much sadness.
She is like the sun, with exceding beauty. She is clad in seasons of silver
winter, beautifull spring, and the many colors of autaum and summer. Her hair
is like flowing gold. She is Diatris, Diatris of the fair elf folk. If other than an
elfish hand is laid upon her shoulder, they will hear the most beautifull and
wonderous melody, and drift softy off to sleep for one thousand years. Even
if an eye looks upon Diatris the that is not of her kind, they will hear the beautiful
melody and fall asleep and lay under the stars. The reason is because no
one but an elfish being, can behold such pureness and fairness of such as Diatris.

Grades 7-8
Rhyming Poem
First

My Guardian Angel
by Tamra Steinmann

I have a dog named M.J.
She's been with me all of my life,
She's cute, and cuddly, and awfly hyper,
She most funniest sight!!

She jumped and danced merrily around,
making us all laugh and smile,
her little toes, and floppy ears,
had brightened our days for a while!

I had taken her for walks in the rain,
or in the icy snow.
She never really did understand,
her least-favorite word "NO!"

She had slept with me in bed,
and protected me all night,
When morning came,
She greeted me, with the morning light.

Whenever I told M.J. a secret,
I knew she would not tell,
I never thought it would come to a time,
When we'd say "Farewell."

When she had gotten old, and sick,
We knew her time was up,
As we took her to the vets, to say our final goodbye,
We remembered her as a pup.

M.J. was an Angel,
an Angel sent from the Lord,
All of the memories that we Share with her,
Will always be treasured and stored.

I now know what they mean,
When they say "A dog is a man's best friend."
M.J. will always be my gardian Angel,
Even though her life has come to an end.

Grades 7-8
Rhyming Poem
Second

Books
by Shauna Vyse

Books, books are everywhere.
Books, books are in my hair.
Books, books stacked way up high.
Books, books are in the sky.
Books, books now dont be shy.
Books, books give them a try!

If you can't find that certain book.
Go to the counter and ask the clerk,
If you want the finest books.
Go to Ingersoll and have a look,
Ingersoll library is the best place to go.
So hurry up before they close.
Hurry up and get there fast.
Hurry up its a blast.

Grades 7-8
Rhyming Poem
Third

I Feel Sick
by Nora MacLeod

Mommy, mommy, mommy
wrube my wittle tummy
I feel sick
come! come! quick
mommy! mommy! mommy!

Daddy! daddy! daddy!
ooey ooey gooey
I was sick
come! come! quick
daddy! daddy! daddy!

Mommy! mommy! mommy!
daddy! daddy! daddy!
I was sick
you came quick
I wove you!

Grades 7-8
Rhyming Poem
Honourable Mention

Silent Cries
by Tyler Totten

I sit here watching the moon go by,
As I wait for the night to die.
I sit here waiting, watching it's pale face,
while it moves at it's slow pace
I sit here hoping, that the moon will go,
Light will come, and sunshine will flow.
I sit here knowing I'm being watched by the moon,
For it's eerie face says it will go soon.
I sit here looking into the moon so deep,
It is a memory I shall forever keep.
I sit here living as part of the moon in whole,
I'm a piece of it; body, mind, and soul.
I sit here and pray,
for the hope of day.
I sit here saying my good-bye,
As the moon disappears with a silent cry.
I sit here in the light of the sun,
for the night is finally done.

Grades 7-8
Rhyming Poem
Honourable Mention

Trouble
by Katie Mitchell

Trouble is his name
having fun is his game
roaming around the house,
chasing a mouse.

He dives my mom crazy
destroys a daisy
he'll bite her arm
my mom says darn!
He hangs everywhere
maybe on a bear
he'll hang it's true
maybe on you!

Trouble is my pet
but he isn't the best
at loving my mom
or my brother Dom.

Trouble isn't quiet
but he needs a diet
maybe roaming around
will clam him down.

I really do love my kitten
even if he's bitten,
even if he's bad
unlike my dad!

Grades 7-8
Other (ie free verse, acrostic, limerick)
First

Autumn Leaves
by Rachel Fairhead

Leaves softly falling,
gently dancing over our heads,
natures confetti.

Grades 7-8
Other (ie free verse, acrostic, limerick)
Second

There was an Old Lady
by Anwyn Lee

There was an old lady named Ruth
Who must always tell the truth
She said she would die
Before she would lie
And that was the story on Ruth

Grades 7-8
Other (ie free verse, acrostic, limerick)
Third

Orcas
by Eden Foster

Black and ebony,
White like stars,
Sleek, swift, silent,
Playful, powerful, pondering
Friends or foes.
No one knows.

Grades 7-8
Other (ie free verse, acrostic, limerick)
Honourable Mention

Changes
by Michelle Elizabeth Bucek

The bright, beautiful sun is fading away,
Bringing with it warm, comforting rays.
The ravishing trees have lost their colour,
Leaving us only with memories to treasure.
The sight of green grass and colourful flowers has ceased.
Grand trees bare dead, crisp leaves beneath.
The soothing, calm conditions are gone.
Harsh, windy conditions threatened.
Autumn is here once again.

Grades 9-11
Rhyming Poem
First

Ingersoll
by Emma Vickery

Ingersoll is where I live
and like to go to school.
Basketball, volleyball, and football games -
Blue Bombers rule!

We're sometimes known as the "Big Cheese"
and can you guess why?
Our cheese museum is a big hit.
Ingersoll is world famous, oh my!

So, even though Ingersoll is quiet and quaint
and such a small little town
Everyone here knows everyone else
and there's spirit all around!

Grades 9-11
Rhyming Poem
Second

About Ingersoll
by Lauren Ellis

The railroads in Ingersoll are busy,
sometimes they make me dizzy.

The arena is where I skate,
some people might even find a date.

I like to go to high school,
even though they don't have a pool.

I went to the downtown hall,
and noticed that there was a ball.

Then I decided to go home,
to find out I was all alone.

Now I'll go downtown,
where people might be found.

Grades 9-11
Rhyming Poem
Third

Ingersoll
by Lindsay Sparkes

Lots of people walking on the sidewalk
The big huge library with a clock
It tells the time, each hour it dings
Stores are filled with different things
Clothes and shoes for people's feet
Lots of places to go and eat
Donuts, pizza, burgers, ice cream
People doing sports like soccer and things
The arena for skating, swimming in the pool
Kids take the bus to get to school
Books and teachers and lockers and halls
This is the place that we call Ingersoll

Grades 9-11
Rhyming Poem
Honourable Mention

Ingersoll
by Ashleigh Steele

In Ingersoll, there's lots to do.
You can swim, or even read a book or two.
There are school's where you listen and learn.
But wait there's more, so wait your turn.

You can go shopping or bowling,
Or even rock 'n rolling.

You can meet and greet,
Or go out to dinner and eat.

Downtown Ingersoll has lots of things to do!
So come on over and we hope to see you!

Grades 9-11
Rhyming Poem
Honourable Mention

Ingersoll Is...
by Sarah Handy

Ingersoll is many people
And lots of friendly faces,
Young and old who get along
From many different races.

Ingersoll is the P.B.s truck
Where you buy fresh, cut fries
Loaded with salt and vinegar
For all the nice girls and guys.

Ingersoll is football games
That take place after school.
Everybody likes to go
Cause our teams really cool!

Ingersoll is a happy town
That everybody loves,
And God so greatly holds it
In his miracle glove.

Grades 9-11
Free Verse
First

Ingersoll
by Courtney Goforth

IDCI's doors are open
The school year is here once again
time to open your books and begin
you've all summer to rest
now's the time to do your best
Teacher's are going over the guidelines
and the homework is being piled high
There is a chill in the air
but the student heading to PB's don't seem to care
The streets are full of life during the lunch break
as well as the Optimist where they skate
Ingersoll Bombers are back in action
with more spirit than ever
the town of Ingersoll may be small
but the people that live there are proud to stand tall

Grades 9-11
Free Verse
Second

Ingersoll
by Mike Spry

There once was cheese, but now it's gone.
There once were famous people, but now they've died,
or left us behind.
The cheese factory is now an old museum.
Almost all evidence of our history, now gone.
Only a plane iron plaque stands here and there.
The attraction is gone, but just he same...
Wont some people please come back, come back again.

Grades 9-11
Free Verse
Third

My Feelings for You
by Allison Stiff

When I'm in your arms, I fee loved, A love I've never
felt before. Being curled in your arms with my eyes
closed. Having you hold me tightly, While listening
to you breathe in my ear. I feel so cozy and
safe. You are always on my mind no matter what
I do. Each and everyday that passes there isn't
a moment that I don't think of you. The way I
Feel for you I will never be able to describe, there
isn't enough words to tell you how strong my feelings
are. Each and everyday of my life, I need you more
and more, when I look into your blue eyes, I begin
to melt to the ground. I can't ever imagine my life
without you. You are the only one for me because
you're my first one and only true love.

Grades 9-11
Other (ie limerick, haiku, acrostic)
First

IDCI
by Neil Muller

Bleachers by the track
Peace Garden of plants and rain
Sports teams dominate

Grades 9-11
Other (ie limerick, haiku, acrostic)
Second

The Mellow Fellow
by Robyn Forster

I once knew a fellow
who liked his cheese yellow,
It sat in his tummy.
And he thought umm yummy,
And now he is very mellow.

Grades 9-11
Other (ie limerick, haiku, acrostic)
Third

Ingersoll
by Jennifer Reid

Informational library
Never a dull moment
Great cheese
Everyone so nice
Restaurants here are awsome
Satisfying stores
Only the most amazing land
Lots of kind people
Lively and lovely

Cheese Poet Laureate's Award
Best cheese poem/dairy ode
First

Cheese
by Max Longfield

Mice don't eat cheese.
So please
Give the cheese to me

Cheese Poet Laureate's Award
Best cheese poem/dairy ode
Second

Brie
by Michelle Elizabeth Bucek

Brie originated in France
Remarkable sweet taste
Irresistible creamy texture
Endlessly enjoyed by all

Cheese Poet Laureate's Award
Best cheese poem/dairy ode
Third

Blue
by Randy Allcock

I took a bite of cheese today,
I did not like it any way.
Its name was based upon its color,
I'd prefer just any other.
It tasted like a rodent smells,
A stinky taste it had.
Why I bothered to take that bite,
I think it made me sick,
For cheese is cheese and that can please,
But not that cheese a bit!

Cheese Poet Laureate's Award
Best cheese poem/dairy ode
Honourable Mention

All for a Piece of Cheese
by Anneleis Ecker

The zookeeper went by the cages
Early one Monday morn
In his hand he held a cheese curd
All rubbery and orange.

When the animals saw the cheese
the room was pandemonium!

Parakeets soared
And tigers roared
And it was all
For a piece of cheese.

The zookeeper walked by the cages
Early one Tuesday morn
He held a piece of havarti
All squishy mushy and warm.

When the animals saw the cheese
The room was in an uproar!

Gerbils squeaked
And pheasants peeped
And it was all
For a piece of cheese.

The zookeeper was suppose to go by the cages
Early one Wednesday morn
He was suppose to hold a piece of Brie
All creamy white and zippy.

The animals would have cried
With lots of might and glee!

Toucans would have squawked
And Parrots would have talked
But today was
The zookeepers day off.

Best poem about Ingersoll
First

We Have it All in Ingersoll
by Devin Duquette

In Ingersoll, we have it all.
Important people at town hall
. Hockey, Soccer, and BaseBall.
Friends that are close enough to call.

There's a cheese museum, but not a Mall.
A few touch trucks that are very tall.
The skate park where you can have a Ball.
And a hospital, in case you fall.

Music and Dance at the festival
A community center that offers it all
Although Ingersoll maybe kind of small
There's nothing missing, not in Ingersoll!

Best poem about Ingersoll
Second

Ingersoll
by Nicole Killaire

As I am walking down the street,
I think of things I see and meet.
Our down town that is very grand,
And all of our beautiful land.
I see all of the smiling faces,
From different towns and different races.
This is the town I call my home,
These are the streets to which I rome.
In stores you're greeted with a smile,
It makes you want to stay awhile.
Come down, just give a call.
Stay a while in Ingersoll.

Best poem about Ingersoll
Third

Everyone Knows Everyone
by Kristy Sutherland

Everyone knows everyone.
It's such a tiny town.
You seldom see a neighbour,
With their smile upside down.

The parks, the pool, and Arena.
Keep the youngsters entertained.
Whenever you're in a hurry,
You get caught behind a train.

Sports for every season,
for people young and old.
Hockey, soccer, bowling.
All striving for the gold.

Heritage days the town's a buzz
With music, food and crafts
Laughing, screaming, running,
Everyone has a blast.

Who can forget the Christmas parade,
The cold, the snow, the muck.
The ending is my favourite part.
Santa in a fire truck.

Located in Ontario,
The southern part to be precise.
I'm glad to be part of Ingersoll.
The town is really nice.

Grade 12/OAC
Rhyming Poem
First

Cheese
by Erin Naisbitt

Ingersoll cheese is the best,
It is better than all the rest.
I like to eat it on my toast,
In my marcaroni, I like it the most.
Oh year! It really tastes so great,
Make it for your boyfriend on your date.
Ingersoll is very proud of its cheese,
We hope that it will satisfy and please.
So go out and get yourself some to try,
It is the best, believe me I don't lie.

Grade 12/OAC
Rhyming Poem
Second

My Heart is Conquered
by Ryan Featherstone

My heart is conquered by love
Sweet fragrance awakes the senses
Delicious gift from above
Needs quenched are worth expenses

Hungered essence remedied
Sensually indulging
In my mind it plants a seed
A screaming urge obsessing

It melts me; as I do it
The table set, the candles lit
Only to you do I commit
Finally, the pieces fit

Furnish my soul if you please
I lust for Ingersoll cheese

Grade 12/OAC
Rhyming Poem
Third

The Big Cheese
by Carmen Barker

The Big Cheese was seven thousand pounds
It is a lot bigger than it sounds
It won a competition
In a fine expedition
But sadly it went out of bounds
It sailed across the sea
We were happy as could be
But it turned bad
And all were sad
That was it for the Great Big Cheese.

Grade 12/OAC
Other (ie haiku, acrostic, free verse)
First

Cheese
by Nick Shier

Cheese is goodness
speadable cheese rocks the party
cheese from Ingersoll.

Grade 12/OAC
Other (ie haiku, acrostic, free verse)
Second

Cheese
by Brock Van Slyke

Cheese is made in Ingersoll
Havarty, marbel, and cheddar.
Everyone likes cheese.
Especially the town mayor Mike Hennesey
Such great taste
Eventually the whole world will eat Ingersoll cheese

Adult
Rhyming Poem
First

Leprechaun
by Juanita Deroo

Beware the elfin form
That finds you sleeping,
Your soul he doth desire.

And if he should elude
The watch you're keeping,
He'll set your heart afire.


Adult
Rhyming Poem
Second

A Mouse's Lament
by June Goff Smith

Old cheese, new cheese
any kind for to appease
blue cheese, marble cheese
mill cheese and cream cheese,
pies, cakes and cookies too
baked just right for you to chew.
cottage cheese, sweet cheese
eat the very way you please
Chinese, Japanese
Portugese and pekinese
eat it, chew it, in or out
here about there about.
round cheese, square cheese
rolled cheese and packaged cheese
any way you want to buy
advertised to catch the eye,
but woe to set your heart at ease
a mouse's lament
INGERSOLL CHEESE

Adult
Rhyming Poem
Third

The Quilter and the Robin
by Catherine E. Swift

I'm sitting near the garden
With fabric on my knee.
The fragrance of the hyacinths
Is wafting up to me.

It's peaceful here upon my chair
With stitching to be done.
The sounds of spring are comforting.
It's warm out in the sun.

A robin looks down from above.
She sees the thread I sew
And waits intently to locate
Those bits the breeze will blow.

She wonders at the many shapes
Of intricate design,
As appliques upon my quilt
Adorn and intertwine.

With threads and grass clutched in her beak
She watches, then she leaves
To disappear within the boughs
Where skillfully she weaves.

The robin understands our need
To strive to do our best.
She knows that every work of art
Takes time with little rest.

I marvel that together
Life's tapestry we share,
As fabrics woven for our young
Show family that we care.

Adult
Rhyming Poem
Honourable Mention

Of Mothers, Sons, and Model Planes
by Patricia Bowes-Rowlandson

Throwing, tumbling, thumping,
Pounding, kicking, jumping,
Vigorous wanton!
Yet, softly as the tinted moth
Settles on the pane,
He tenderly assembles, set down,
his model plane.
That's my wanton son!

Who, gently dusting through the disarray of bric-a-brac,
Who, despite caution,
crashes flimsy wing and
with a whack
Sends one fragment spinning
through another?
Alas, 'tis mother!

Adult
Rhyming Poem
Honourable Mention

Autumn's Eve
by Audrey Hutcheson

The frost is on the gatepost
And the fodder's in the shock,
The smock is on the shoulders
And the foot is in the sock.
The hay and straw are in the mow,
While grain fills all the bins.
The cows are in the stable
And a winter's work begins.

Adult
Free verse
First

As if on Cue
by Julia Penistan

As if on cue,
September turns a cold shoulder
On red tomatoes and sun-tinged pears,
Belies the forecasts of warmth
And August-scorching temperatures
With a snicker up her sleeve
And sends forth a frost-warning.

Reams of sheaves blown off in storm
With no fight for greeness
Drink thirstily of deluge and fullness,
And sudden outpourings
Run the streets with ankle-high volleys
Of October-like channels
'Til crimson leaves, from the top-most branches
Coat the pavement.

Geese review their trials,
Reminding youngsters of distance, formation, light-chronology,
The perfect speed of wing-beats
And the relationships of stars.
Solid black strings of starlings
Collect in nervous anticipation on telephone wires,
Awaiting the invisible sub-audible cue
And the tumultuous leap into fall.

Adult
Free verse
Second

Conversing
by Gertrude Sparkes

Did you ever wonder
While sitting on the throne,
The feeling of happiness
To have some time alone!

Did you ever talk to the toilet
Or to yourself while there?
Both ways of conversing
Can keep you young, I hear.

For you are now at peace
And solitude is divine.
And to rest as doctor's say
Is a healthy use of time!

Adult
Other (ie haiku, diamante, limerick)
First

Survivors of Breast Cancer Rowing Team
by Lorene Munro Pearson

Dragon Boat - drum beat,
Twenty paddles synchronize.
Survivors in tune.

Adult
Other (ie haiku, diamante, limerick)
Second

Rooted Sap
by Julia Penistan

rooted sap, scenting
a distant sun's earthward swing,
sky-leaps to blossoms

Adult
Other (ie haiku, diamante, limerick)
Third

Heat
by Julia Penistan

heat
gluey purple
thickening stifling mounting
earth weight sky break
snapping exploding pouring
torrential fiery
thunder

Cheese Poet Laureate's Award
for best dairy ode

A Big Cheddar Moon
by Patricia Bowes-Rowlandson

Theatre rats as large as cats,
With dapper canes, and stolen hats,
Prowled the streets of Ingersoll town,
Seeking The Big Cheese of renown.

Under the bridge, and over wall,
They stormed the stairs of City Hall,
IDCI, ICAC,
Gazebo, Parks, Library.

The Senior's Centre, Church, and more,
In and out of every Store.
They tried The Times, the Cable, too,
The Internet, with much ado.

They shrilled:
"The Big Cheese is a hoax,
"A dusty phantom and a joke.
"Back we're going to Kraft and Bright,
"We'll catch a freight this very night!"

"Colby, Cheddar, Edam, will do,
"Or Monterey, with Danish Blue.
"All aboard you slipp'ry tails!
"We're heading down the iron rails!"

Now, as they shrieked a last good-bye,
Full orange moon rose huge in sky,
Blazoned across shone letters tall,
"Ingersoll Cheese STILL best of All!"

Best Poem about Ingersoll
(past or present)

A Cow's Tale
by Elizabeth MacCallum

Now cheese is much more than a sandwich or treat
Or used in an omlette, souffle or with meat.
It has a long history, of that we are sure
Which I now will relate and hope you'll endure.

Our forefathers came to this country and brought
Some sheep and a horse and a cow with the lot
The sheep clothed the people, the horse pulled the plough
Most important of all, folks were fed by the cow.

'Cause the cow gave them milk and sweet cream and great cheese
For pancakes and whipped cream and delacacies.
The cheese was a staple and stored very well
Could be carried for lunches or even to sell.

Now today if we look in each home, old or new
We'll see cheese of some kind, Swiss, Old, Mild or Blue.
It still is a staple on which we all dine
It's great grilled in sandwiches or with a French wine.

So shout a hurrach for this "cheese town" of yours
For the cheese making men, who kept cheese in the stores.
Although there's no factory, no cheese-making now
We'll always be thankful for that first great cow.

JC Herbert Award
for a rhyming poem about rural
or small town life

My Home Town
by William Heslop

It was back in the 40's, how well I recall,
my days as a child in ol' Ingersoll.
The friends that I made were so very dear.
Their presence stayed with me year after year.

My home was on Thames Street, no grass to mow
in a six room apartment with fruit store below.
With a cast of street noises, the horn truly starred,
how I prayed that one day I'd have my own yard.

The centre of town was my neighbourhood,
I dodged all the cars the best way I could.
Chisholm's Opticians took care of your eyes
and Zurbrigg's baked cakes and those little pies.

Car outlets flourished for those who could do it,
like O'Dell & Allen and Fleisher & Jewitt.
McVittie & Shelton were part of this crew
of pros in the trade who knew what to do.

Going out for a meal? Try Bighams for eats,
or, walk down the street to Diana Sweets.
And if your old car was beginning to wear,
call Beemer's Taxi and they'd get you there.

The Post Office stood on the corner so proud,
I'd often go in 'midst the bustling crowd.
In winter I'd earn about five cents or more
by shovelling snow from in front of each store.

I'd go into Bartletts and the Sentinel Review,
get work from Shecters and Pete's Pool Room too!
The Charles Street rink was near and so old,
it had nothing on Smith's Pond - boy was it cold!

The highlight of summer for kids all around!
The carnival held at the old Armoury ground.
McMulkin's Meat Market gave dog bones to feed
to my black collie Teddy, who grew like a weed.

The town had a parade and we all went amok.
Guess who we had in the town fire truck?
Gene Autry, 'midst all of the "wows" and the "gees"
And what did we give him? ... Ingersoll Cheese!

Victory Memorial was my favourite school
and little Miss Cornish was nobody's fool.
And Salford's Miss Peck, boy was she mad
at the spring-loaded jar of face cream I had.

Ralph was my pal and we played a whole lot.
We had so much fun but sometimes we fought.
The Maitland Theatre was our little shrine
and Saturday was movie and chocolate bar time.

We stood for the King and next came the news,
then John Fitzgerald and Pete Smith's reviews.
Cartoons were our favourite, so funny, so daft.
We loved Tom & Jerry, they sure made us laugh.

Serials were "in" for weeks at a time.
Never much violence and rarely a crime.
D'ya know the thing that made us all frown?
Whenever the darn projector broke down.

The war was ongoing, they rationed the food.
Blue tokens were used to feed our small brood.
At school we bought stamps, five in a strip.
If the class filled a book, we'd sink a large ship.

Then prisoners-of-war were confined in our town.
I remember the night when three men were found
inside the theatre... it caused quite a flurry.
Their accents had them back in camp in a hurry.

Our soldiers' trucks with scars from the war
were parked in front of Thurtell's Drug Store.
I remember the scene... the music was loud,
as vets from the front sold bonds to the crowd.

In 45, all our church bells did ring,
"the war is over" you'd hear the kids sing.
Thames Street was awash with a brilliant light
cause all the stores' neons were back on at night!

Oh happy days were here once again!
The men returned home by bus and by train.
But some families wept, it was all very sad.
Some lost their sons and others their dad.

The time would soon come, I dreaded the day,
when we'd pack a small van and move far away.
I often think of the friends that I made.
Are they aging too? Do memories fade?

I've travelled the world, it's been a great ride
with my wife and family close by my side.
I'm getting on, too, but I do recall
my days as a child in ol' Ingersoll!