Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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THEY NEVER BELIEVE ME Nancy Resmini 58 The morning was cold and dreary, a typical November morning. Mark Graham pulled himself out of bed with a disgusted sigh. He was at odds with life in general, school life in particular. As he leisurely walked to school, contemplating truancy, he discovered he had wandered into the alley where the “gang” usually gathered. Since the alley was deserted, he sat upon an empty crate and began to think. Suddenly he perceived what looked like a small boy, but peculiarly, this little boy was no ordinary lad. Mark addressed the stranger with a customary “Hi”, but in reply received an inaudible murmur. Was Mark’s imagination playing tricks, or did the stranger have a greenish complexion ? To his surprise this unexpected guest lured him towards a balloon-like contraption and, before he realized what had happened, the contraption had raised itself into the atmos- phere with Mark and the stranger inside. Mark rubbed his eyes and, as he took a second glance, found himself in a planet more cold and dreary than that which he had left. This new planet appeared at first to be uncivilized, but before Mark could come to a definite conclusion a band of little men, carrying what appeared like over-decorative staffs formed a circle around him. They spoke a foreign language which was incom- prehensible to Mark, yet by their smiles and nods, Mark knew that they were friendly. Despite the cold atmosphere this foreign place was warm with hospitality, and Mark was treated like an ambassador from the United States. Touring the new planet, Mark found every- one harmoniously singing while working. What a peaceful nation! After finishing his tour, Mark was invited to dine with the leader of these men. This “Headman” pre- sented to him a symbol of good will, a chain with a golden olive branch. As Mark reached for the chain, his vision became blurred and he found himself once again on the crate in the dusky alley. Looking up, he found a husky, mean- faced character glaring at him. It was the truant officer! Mark suffered the punishment for truancy and the mocking remarks of those who heard his story. Where had Mark been? Or was it just a dream? Judge for yourself, but consider all the evidence, especially the olive branch chain which hangs about Mark’s neck. It reads, “Peace on earth, good will to men!” (Teacher’s note: I have considered all the evidence and I am fully convinced that Mark made the trip.) REVERIE Louise Price ’58 Snowflakes cover the cold, silent eai’th with a glorious carpet of white, as yet un- touched, untrodden by man. The treetops and hedges are arrayed with this same white mantle; the trees are stately and majestic in their winter finery. The gentle winter wind is whispering sweet nothings to the heavily- laden branches, revealing its secrets through- out the wood. The sky above is a sea of impenetrable blackness, studded with myriads of dancing Nine

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THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOM IN SHS Judith Helmund ’58 Have you visited our school library lately? No? Well, you have an interesting visit in store for you. In the school library we receive about four hundred new fiction books each year. There are books about travel and sports; there are war stories, and many others. For your homework there are books on American History and Government, and Science. Also for your reference work there are five sets of up-to-date- encyclopedias, as well as the Readers’ Guide and an index to peri- odical literature. Speaking of magazines, did you know that in our library we have magazines filed back as far as two years? These include many news and science maga- zines. If you need help in finding material, our librarian, Mr. Hickey, would be very happy to help you. For our enjoyment there are the newest magazines on fashions for girls; science and news for the boys. You make take along a public library book with you to read. The restriction is that students may not do homework not requiring research in the library. Library permits may be obtained three times a day: before school, until 8:27 for any period; during short recess for the fourth and fifth periods; and after school for any period the next day. The library is closed dur- ing the special period but open until 2:45 Monday and Tuesday and until 2:15 other days. So during your next study period or after school some day, why don’t you visit 215, our library? You have a real treat in store for you if you do! DESPERATE MOMENTS Thomas Vartabedian ’58 I’m tense now. The time is drawing closer. Ever since ten o’clock I’ve been waiting for this moment. Slowly I steal off by myself. No one is around now. As yet I feel no one has noticed me. I feel secure. But wait! A noise! Someone’s coming. Hurriedly I dash back into the talking crowd. After a few flustered moments I take a chance, and look around. The man I’ve seen so often, and feared so much, has noticed my peculiar actions. Minutes later I turn again, this time con- fident he’s forgotten me. At last I breathe a sign of relief, only to catch it again as the same man eyes me suspiciously. It’s only a matter of time now. Here’s my chance ... I steal off alone to the corner. I hear a familiar noise. Now is the time! I run frantically down the dimly lighted corridor. Although I hear the sound of foot- steps behind me, I continue running, hoping, praying under my breath that they won’t catch up with me. I'm outside now. Clumsily I grab the rail- ing of the steps. Two at a time I tackle the stairs. As I reach my destination, I grab for a knife that's gleaming. The sweat stops flow- ing from my brow. The impulse I have now is terrific! I’m free! I don’t have a care in the world, be- cause now I’m first in the lunch line in the school cafeteria. Eight

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stars. The giant moon keeps a silent vigil over this peaceful scene from its home on high. Homes across the whitened fields seem like mystic castles—touched, transformed by fairy wands. Silently, as if in a trance, I don my coat and hat and step out into this wonderland of darkness. As I stand there, intoxicated by the enchanting splendor of the night, I hear a host of voices from above, “Peace on earth, good will toward men . . . ” THAT’S LIFE Annette Thibeault ’58 “Buzz Walker, don’t you ever speak to me again!” “Gee whiz, Joan, what did I do?” “Oh, nothing, you just about ruined my life that’s all!” “But I don't understand,” he said with be- wilderment. “Don’t bother to call for our date tonight, because I never want to see you again.” “Joan, calm yourself. This isn’t the place to pick a fight. Maybe if you’d tell me—” “I’m ‘Miss Freeman’ to you from now on,” she interrupted. “Good-by, Mr. Walker.” With that she left Buzz staring after her very confused. “I wonder what’s got into her,” he mut- tered, as he headed for home. “I wonder if she’s sore because I paid more attention to the movie than her last night, or maybe—” “Hello, Dad,” said Buzz sullenly. “I didn’t see you coming.” “No wonder, why so glum?” “It’s Joan. She started fighting with me and I don’t know why. Did Mom ever act this way? I mean before you were married?” “Sure, lots of times. It got so that every time she did, I’d go out and buy her a birth- day present.” “Gee, Dad,” beamed Buzz. “Maybe that’s it. May I have my two months allowance in advance?” That night Buzz went to Joan’s house. He looked like an entirely different person. He had a box of candy in one hand and a little package in the other. A minute later, Joan answered his knock. At first sight of him she cried angrily, “Buzz Walker, I thought I told you—,” then sweet- ly, “Oh, are those for me? How nice! You remembered after all. Come in!” “Gee, Joan, as the saying goes, ‘It’s better late than never.’ Happy Birthday!” “Birthday! My birthday isn’t till next month. This is our anniversary!” “Anniversary? But we’re not married!” “Silly, you don’t have to be married to have an anniversary. Just one year ago today you first smiled at me, remember?” “Oh, for goodness sakes! Why didn’t I keep my big mouth shut? Two months’ al- lowance gone out the window—just because I smiled at her a year ago! Oh, well that’s life!” POOR ME, I’M ABUSED Carol Amann ’58 Isn’t it true that someone is always forc- ing someone else to do something? Mothers, for instance, can create a real big problem! It seems that whenever a poor teenager like me wants to do something, there’s always something else to do at home. Take for instance last year when our junior dance was coming. It was two weeks before the dance and I didn’t have a date. Well, I invited Joey Brown to my house one night to hear some of my new record albums. Of course it was one of those big conspiracies that women plot when they want something and I had it all planned. My new sweater was laid out on the bed all ready to put on. Then, Wham! My mother decided I had to help her at the church supper that night. What could I do? The supper wouldn’t be over until about nine. You know how after the meal they always ask someone to say a few words. Well, if I got out by nine I’d be lucky. So I made a few telephone calls, and about five calls and my new sweater later every- thing was settled. Janie was to help my mother at the church and I’d at least have my chance. The night came and I began to get im- Tcn