At school

I will come down to your level
Kneel beside you
And hope to make you feel ten feet tall.
I will listen intently
As you tell me all about your pets:
Two cats, a rabbit, three goldfish, a parrot, a pig and a penguin.
I will nod in understanding 
As you seriously explain
How your pet polar pear missed his mummy so had to go home,
And I will agree
That we all miss our mummies sometimes
And that’s okay.
I will help you get the right grip as you hold your pencil,
Demonstrate the cursive p,
Encourage you as you write your list sounding out p-e-t  p-i-g.
I will read you a story
Of your choosing
To expand your imagination and let you dream.
I will help you hunt for snails in the yard
Share your joy when you find one
To hold in your palm.
I will quietly stand beside you 
Together watching the slimy trails develop
And wondering if there’s a hidden message there.
I will remind you to be gentle
As you put the creature down
And wash your hands.
I will sit on the tiny chair you offer me
Identify and count with you the different the coins
To buy the plastic food served in your cafe.
I will pretend to eat
Smiling as you whisper to me 
that you’re going to give extra spicy food to your friend,
And I will laugh out loud
As he falls off his chair comically holding his throat
And suggest he needs a drink.
I will remember your food preferences 
As you line up for lunch
And praise you for your mastery of knife and fork.
I will encourage you to zip your coat
Help you search for an elusive glove
And still be smiling as you say goodbye.
Because your joy is infectious
And through your eyes the world is wonderful 
And I am privileged to be with you in it.

(Image: sketch of me at school by author & illustrator Thomas Docherty)