Roy Swed

Lakeland High School Class of 1964

We grew up together, did Roy and I,
As kids we played, as the years flew by.
In Summer we swam and played hide and go look,
In Winter we skated on the frozen brook.
In Spring and Fall, we were with each other,
Not just a neighbor, almost a brother.

I remember when, in the scouts,
He was the best, I have no doubts.
When we'd go camping out on the trail,
His scouting knowledge all would hail.
Up through the ranks, he rose with speed,
While being a friend to all in need.

I remember our first neighborhood club,
Open to only kids from the Shrub.
We fixed up the place, with curtains and all,
With a door in the floor, and our own secret call.
When trouble would come, we'd jump through the floor,
While the foreigners would enter through the door.

I remember the tree house, we tried to build,
High in a maple, that nature had killed.
We cut the small branches, so we could stand,
I still have the scar, on my left hand.
We never did finish the thing,
Thinking back. remembering.

The years flew by, we're getting older,
We're of age now, to become a soldier.
For our country, Roy's told to fight,
Across the world, and out of sight.
May God be with you, each and every day,
And now I hear, he has passed away.

Memories we have that he left behind,
Memories saying he was so kind.
To those who loved him, a great loss,
For in our sleep, we shall turn and toss.
But as we lie awake in our bed,
We shall remember, our fallen Roy Swed