To the Editor:
It was hot that day as I recall.
The guys were gathering to play some ball.
I was proud to be a part of it all.
It was really our thing.
Passion for the game is all you had to bring.
Watching great moves on the court all the time,
Refunding soda bottles for a nickle or a dime,
This was a part of it all and it wasn’t a crime.
There were lessons to be learned on the court that day.
Older guys helped you in a mentoring way.
Scoring points and looking your best
Wanting to be better than the rest.
Guys wore Converse and Pro-Keds,
Maybe a headband on their heads.
Landreth schoolyard was for me.
It gave me character and a sense of purpose you see.
The kind of education to make me stay,
Good players schooled me I must say.
Some guys took their talent to another state
While others didn’t make it and sealed their own fate.
With its rusty gates and worn-out nets,
A chance to play at Landreth schoolyard is what you get.
Landreth School was there for a reason,
Developing good players from season to season.
To some, Landreth schoolyard is a thing of the past,
But to me the memories will always last.
Goodbye, Landreth School, with its rusty gates
You will always be the best schoolyard in the state.
Charles Riddick
Greenbrier, Tenn.
Send a letter to the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.
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1. Cherry Riddick said... on Feb 14, 2013 at 06:12PM
“Love it!!”
2. Lenora Parrish said... on Feb 14, 2013 at 11:12PM
“Charlie Brown, I'm so proud of you and I love you very much. I just can't believe you were talented all this time. And I can say I knew you back when.
Don't forget me when you get famous, ha ha!! God gave you a wonderful gift and I know you will continue to use it. I'm proud, proud, proud!!! you were published, wow!”
3. Anonymous said... on Jun 16, 2013 at 05:56PM
“This is the same Charles Riddick that is an escape convict from the philadelphia courts system. He owes hundreds of dollars to the courts in S. Jersey and stole thousands of dollars from his previous girlfriend and her family.”