On the Occasion of Starting Kindergarten (A Love Song)

If I were a poet this would be a poem. But I'm not. So let's just call it a song. Without tune, meter, or rhyme. A love song. For you, grandchild.

::::

Beloved child of my child.

A warrior girl at five, you have already survived great harm. 

Fierce. 

Resilient. 

Strong. 

Sassy.

Smart.

Ready. Set. Go. 

Twinkle twinkle little star.   

Your star's ablaze. 

The fire in your eyes announces, "I am here. I demand to learn."

Some might think you less, being brown and poor. A girl. 

Don't let them. Knowledge is a necessary weapon for your survival.

ABCDEFG...won't you come and sing with me.  

Rise above and play together. You already know how. Rise above the playground chatter, the mean teasing, the fronting about others. Do not fall for the subtle (or not so subtle) ways some teachers will try to say who is less, who is more. Don't listen.

You were born to lead. 

You are equipped.

Ready. 

Set. 

Go.

Rise above and play together. You already know how.