'School Crossing Patrols' wanted,

It said in the newspaper ad.

Good wages, and very short hours -

Now that didn't seem too bad.

I applied for the job and secured it,

They gave me a uniform too,

Sent me out on a busy crossing,

To learn just what to do.

With lollipop stick in my right hand,

I ventured out into the road.

Hoping the traffic would see me,

And the terror inside never showed.

In all the changeable weather,

I bravely stood my ground.

With comments from the public -

"Wouldn't do this for a million pounds."

In winter my feet were often numb,

So as soon as the cold snap began,

I piled on the layers of clothing,

I looked like the Michelin Man.

The children soon became my friends,

As they went safely on their way.

Their greetings and smiling faces -

That really made my day.

They gave me gifts at Christmas,

To thank me in their special way,

For guiding them to school in the morning,

And home at the end of the day.

I left the job some years ago,

With many regrets I agree.

The children are now a lot older,

But still smile and remember me. By Shirley McSweeney

Wilkinson Avenue

Little Lever

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.