My memory is strongly etched of old man Mertz
standing slight and straight;
expression stern,
arms folded, white cuffs showing.
Depression blue suit pressed
shinny one more time.
Ties so still, dull and conservative
they left no memory.
He silently supervised students
with his stare.
Steel rimmed glasses, smile less face
and the seeing eyes ever watchful.
With his long forehead
and strong set face
he belonged in a bank boardroom.
He commanded respect from all
looking the prissy principal.
But he was in charge!
They called him "Old Man Mertz".
Surely he knew.
And he was feared.
Generation after generation walked past his office
on tip toes.
He was in the Education Business
and good education was business like.
Teachers taught for him
and taught well.
Students learned for him
and learned well.
Staff worked for him
and worked well.
But his life was dull
without a sensational scandal.
He was a success.
He did his job.
And with time my fears, tempered with respect,
turned to deep felt appreciation.
They just don't make principals like him anymore.
Doug Minnis
April 1994