May Day

Another May Day on a lazy May 15. It’s hot, sunny, humid, and a summer day at Pease Elementary, Texas’ oldest elementary school. Students eagerly wait for Mrs. Cousins queue to sing, to dance, to let it all hang out one last time this school year. It’s the first celebration of May Day after Pease students have been carrying on the tradition for a century. Black and white pictures of well-dressed young boys and girls proudly weaving colored ribbons around the pole, hopeful of a bright future, shroud the halls of an old hallway, well painted over countless school years. Today—a special day. Final celebrations for Mrs. Beth Ellison, principle, leader, and friend to so many in the crowd. Children dancing, singing, weaving. Pole wrapped. I’m glad I am hear on my old steel framed steed. A moment in life captured, experienced. A final song sung to Beth. All children participated; teachers, and even the crowd sing. “My Wish for you,” a country song, sung at a once country school in past country days in Texas. I hope this life becomes all that you want it to Beth. As tears stream down, hands shoot up to sign the lyrics of the song. A sea of appreciation, love, and heart-felt emotion. One final ribbon is presented, everyone student has signed their name. Beth speaks, thanks, and cries. I feel the salt water drops weave through my beard hairs, high on emotion, on life. Wind sweeps through my helmet as I leave Pease and my mom the music teacher. Keep on keeping May Day alive mom.