The Short Cut in Strathcona, by Betty Millman

Across the street from our home on 105th Street and 82 Avenue was a short cut to school. As I walked between the brick wall of an apartment building and a big hole in the ground, I could see the broken corners of concrete, the only sign that this big excavation once had a building on it. The broken edges sparkled in places as the sun shone on reflective stones.

Beyond this was a stand of trees and bushes. At the edge, a dirt patch curved into the bushes. I remember it was cool in spring and summer. There were smells of the soft black earth of the path; the fresh greenery on the trees; berry blossoms and low-lying plants.

On the way to school we hunted for berry bushes at the edge of the path. My favorite, were large green, luscious gooseberries. Another treasure was the wild rose bush. Their delightful fragrance and delicate pink petals, rose-colored buds tucked underneath, were a delight.

In June we picked one or two for good luck on our tests. They were carefully carried to school and placed on our desks. The old ink wells made a perfect vase.

Our last place of interest was the candy store. We passed it to get to Queen Alexandra Elementary School. Sometimes we didn’t make it past. In we went to admire the wonderful assortment of candies; red, blue, black, yellow, green, some round, oval and different shapes and sizes. A penny or nickel would buy several; the shopkeeper held a small paper bag open, ready to fill.

The school bell reminded us if we stayed too long. Then we ran as fast as we could across the road to the school.