First
Day of School
He put his hand, tight in mine
The minute we left the
house.
All the way down the
street,
He’s been quiet as a
mouse.
I know that he is
frightened
So unsure of what’s ahead.
I also, know he’s well
prepared
In spite of all of his
dread.
He knows his numbers, one
to ten
And the alphabet by heart.
He can even print his
name,
He has a really good head
start.
He has memorized our
address
And our phone number for
weeks.
Yet, none of that can stop
the tears
now rolling down his
cheeks.
I know he’s heard it all
before,
Yet I encourage him once
again.
The words fall upon deaf
ears
Of my frightened little
wren.
At the door the teacher
stands
A gentle smile lights up
her face.
Yet, my sweet little
soldier
Wants no part of this new
place.
It was the hardest thing
for me
To turn my back on him.
I walked away and left my
son
To an adventure that seems
grim.
I worried all that morning
Couldn’t concentrate at
all.
I arrived at school too
early
So I waited out in the
hall.
The dismissal bell is
ringing
my heart is beating very
fast.
I see his face and I know,
He’s now a school
enthusiast.
Adrienne
Gallagher Dominici copyright l970
Today is the first day of school.
It seems an awesome experience. It takes such faith for a
young child to go off to a place filled with wonder and
dread. Such a mixture of emotions floods their young
brain. It is a milestone in his life and in mine as
well. Much time has been spent preparing for this
moment. Did I do a good enough job? Will he find it a
pleasant first experience? Or will it be so traumatic as
to color his entire academic career? Will the teacher see
his outstanding qualities, or am I exaggerating them?
Will he miss me? Part of me hopes he does as the other
part realizes that while his world is expanding it still
includes me, at least for a few more years. I haven’t
done a thing since I left him at school except worry. I
hope it is going well for him. I check the clock every
five minutes. I hope he thinks school is a wonderful
place, it will be easier for him if he does. I hope I
have taught him all the necessary things to make school a
terrific adventure. Not just his ABC’s but other things
like sharing and caring and taking on responsibility
well. I hope I taught him to persevere and find joy in
learning.
Only time will tell, if I have made
mistakes. However, faith tells me we can work them out
together, he, the teachers, and I.
By Adrienne Dominici
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