The Night Before Kindergarten

After our special Family Night this evening and baths were all done we snuggled into Gracie's bed & I pulled out this book.  With a Christmas Eve-like excitement she wasn't sure she could sleep.  My baby goes to school tomorrow. 

'Twas the night before Kindergarten, and as they prepared,

kids were excited and a little bit scared.

They tossed and they turned about in their bed,

while visions of school supplies danced in their heads.

Erasers and crayons, and pencils galore,

were stuffed in their backpacks and set by the door.

Outfits were hung in the closets with care,

knowing that Kindergarten soon would be there.

In the morning it came - school starts today!

Would the teacher be nice?  Would they still get to play?

Faces were washed, and teeth were brushed white;

kids posed for pictures with eyes sparkling bright.

Parents packed snacks, and kids hopped in cars 

as if they were boarding a spaceship to Mars.

Some kids brought blankets or their favorite stuffed bear,

in hopes they could nap like they did in mothers care.

Their parents exclaimed, "You're big kids - WOW!

Let us hold your bears and blankies for now."

The parents were worried their children would cry 

if they left them at school with just a good-bye.

So they told their darlings, "If you want we can stay

and make sure that everything will be A-okay."

The teacher then greeted each one with a smile,

and invited the students to stay for a while. 

The room was all filled with toys, books and maps,

but where were the beds for midmoring naps?

They colored and painted and played Simon Says,

they tumbled and skipped and stood on their heads.

They sang silly songs from beginning to end.

Within just a minute, each kid had a friend.

The children were happy.  They loved Miss Sunrise!

It was she who was in for a giant surprise.

When what to her wondering eyes should appear

but sad moms and dads who were holding back tears!

Their noses - sniffly!  Their eyes - red and wet!

This is the saddest good-bye Miss Sunrise had seen yet!

She gathered the grown-ups on the magical rug, 

then sent them away after one final hug.

The children all waved from the door of the school.

"Don't cry, Mom and Dad; kindergarten is cool!"