Illinois Verse/The Senior Bench

by Anna Shattuck Palmer

The Senior Bench

Stately grey bench, what calmness, strength!
 Forbidding in aspect just at first
 When as freshmen we so often thirst
To spread ourselves on your cool, smooth length.

But soon comes respite from our alarms
 For with the years that quickly go
 More courtesy and warmth you show
Till seniors you welcome with open arms.

Proudly each May when days are fair
 A plaque of highest honor you hold,
 Girls' names in gleaming letters of gold
Which Mortar Board entrusts to your care.

That century mark proclaims your age
 When great events have come to pass
 Long may you give to every class
Yourself in service,—true and sage.