It’s early morning
and Riverbear’s (school mascot) slumped over in his seat.
Soon to be roused
by the excited children that he’ll greet.
For the doors will open
and the little ones will stream in--
Anticipating learning
and good times to begin.
“Let’s run in the halls till somebody sees us--
and quickly jam on the brakes!”
But we are betrayed by our laughter and sneakers on the newly waxed floors --
and the screeching sound that it makes.
The ‘tall guy’ steps out of the classroom, cranes his neck,
and peers down the long hall.
But… it’s cool-- he gets it…
“Just don’t overdo it or fall.”
Area 51 (classroom #)-- our destination
Our home away from home for the day.
On the far side of Riverside Town
just a tad bit out of the way.
“My little ‘Martians’ have landed.
I hope you slept well.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing you--
I’m sure you can tell.”
“Good morning Munchkins, Good morning Champ,
Good Morning-- Small Fries”.
These days a mask conceals the smile,
but it’s all in the eyes.
“Good Morning Mr. McG! (Mick- Gee!)” they quickly reply.
“Hey-- you can’t call me that til grade 5.
It’s a rite of passage—
a special kind of end- of- the -school- year prize.”
Bob Dylan and Beatles’ tunes
settle us down.
There’s a morning do-now on my desk--
I can’t mess around!
Sharpened pencils scratch across math books
Beneath humming fluorescent lights.
“Don’t sweat it—you’ll get it…
I’m here to help-- it’ll be alright.”
I hesitantly raise my hand
And volunteer to do a problem on the board.
“You can do it! You’ve got this!”
I feel more assured.
All eyes on me
As I struggle to succeed.
I grapple. I wrestle.
I’m in dire need.
Mr. McGovern calmly gives--
a piece of advice.
Draw it out. Take your time.
Check your answer –twice!
Hmmm…I think to myself…
What to do?
I’m getting a bit nervous
Wouldn’t you too?
But, just then--
The light bulb goes off—it all makes sense.
I’ve got it! I’ve done it!
I’ve scaled the long division fence!
Mr. McG gives me a high- five
As I proudly head back to my seat.
Edison, Einstein?
I’ve got both of you beat!
“Time for a well-earned break.
Let’s chat for a bit.”
Mr. McG walks over to my desk
On top of it-- he’ll sit.
“What’s this I’ve got here in my pocket?”
He fumbles around.
Out he pulls The Sacred Silent Ball--
Gleeful cheers abound.
We play games. We laugh.
We love 4th grade life.
This is the place for me
no worries--no strife.
Outside our four walls--
we soon go.
We sit beneath the blossoming cherry tree
Our imaginations in tow.
We write as if we’re the wondrous tree
Just outside our door.
It hears everything we say--
Our read-alouds, our discussions, and so much more.
Mr. McG says,
“Now let yourself go.
Discover new territories –Imagine.
You’ll surprise yourself with all you know.”
The four walls of my mind
Slowly disappear.
I erase my thoughts, my worries--
I am free and clear.
I compose my masterpiece
To be proudly displayed on the bulletin board.
I never knew I could do this
I am a samurai writer—my pencil—my trusty sword!
Back inside--
Laughter echoes throughout.
Children talk to one another
Smile and move about.
Mr. McGovern leans back in his old creaky green chair--
A proud smile washes over his face.
I wonder what he’s thinking?
…He sure does love this place.
One hundred eighty days--
It went by so fast!
I was new—you were new…
And sadly, it’s already our last.
“What great friends we’ve become in this short time.
You are wonderful.
You are a gift.
You are one of a kind.”
“Will you come with me to grade 5?”
“That I cannot do.
It is time for you to move on—
time to learn something new.”
But please remember me…
Like I’ll remember you.
You’re one of my family members now--
Go on to live life to the fullest-- make your dreams come true.
Terry M., 2021