For the past five years, I’ve been a volunteer in Miss Marilyn’s class here in DC. It’s not so much for the kids, I’ll admit. I need a kid fix or it’s hard to get through too many weeks.
So, I get to be Miss Lily, the Music Lady every now and then.
And I get to hug kids every now and then. And sometimes, I get to write a poem about it.
Third
Next year
when you come
I won’t be here, ok?
I’ll be in third.
It’s not far. Muy cerca.
Just down the hall.
Will you find me?
When you come next year?
Yes, Christopher.
Porque I can read the Cat in the Hat now.
The whole book.
Porque I can help you
sing the songs
in Spanish.
Some of the other kids
don’t know Spanish.
So I can help them, ok?
It’s just down the hall.
I’ll find you, Christopher.
Wanna hear me?
I can read the whole book now, ok?
Sí, Christopher. Lea.
I’m probably the best reader now.
And I know all the songs
in Spanish.
You’re coming back next year, right?
You’ll sing with us next year, right?
I won’t be aquí, ok?
I’ll be in third.
But you’ll find me.
ok?
I will always find you, Christopher.
It’s time to give me a hug goodbye.
Dame un abrazo.
Tu eres un amigo muy especial.
I know. Porque I know all the songs
in Spanish.
And I can help the other kids.
And I can read
the whole book.
It’s time to let go now, Christopher.
Don’t forget to find me next year, ok?
I love you, Christopher.
I won’t forget to find you.
Time to let go.
Adios.
Adios, Miss Lily.
Don’t forget, ok?
One more hug, ok?
Don’t forget.
Down the hall, ok?
I’ll be in third.