OntheWilderSide

Go to a school that is small, if you can.

Go to a school where the leaders are wise and happy and care about you.
Maybe they even know you.
Go to a school with a mission:
Religion or football
PTA dances or class gardens–anything.
The focus will draw people together.

Go to a school where if you are crying on the bus the first day,
They will let your mommy drive you instead.
Or, the bus driver will coax you with a friendly smile.
Or, maybe there is no bus at all.

Go to a school where people can see you for yourself
It would be ideal if there were no grades.
But, at least, when you make something, people appreciate it.
Go to a school where if you are bad,
They will first take your temperature,
Explore your feelings,
Do anything besides secluding or drugging you.

Go to a school where your mom and dad feel welcome.
Well, maybe they started the school, or maybe the parents run it.
Certainly, the teachers respect them and encourage them to visit.
Go to a school that allows you to hold onto your Truth,
Where you can feel safe and be safe,
Until you are old enough to create your own security.

Look for a school with lots of real books.
Books are almost always filled with magic pebbles or friendly animals.
Some books even have stories that speak to your heart,
Stories the old people used to tell children when we all lived together as families.

Look for a school with lots of:
Windows, teddy bears, green plants, smiling grown-ups, and good food.
Where you can feel:
Believed, nurtured, respected, valued, listened to.

And,
When you grow up, find a
Neighborhood, community, workplace, and family that
Helps you feel this way, too.

Filed under: Ballot issues, Education, Long Island Politics, Recommended Poetry