First Graders Poem by Gregory Huyette

Experiences come and experiences go.
My gray matter seldom takes one in tow.
Then a momentously fateful, fortuitous find
Crossed my way, forever branding my mind.

My mission was daunting. There seemed no solution.
Read a poem without causing a first grade revolution!
Recite words, enlivened by colorful illustrations,
Hoping to capture a few concentrations.

We sat on the floor. Then the tale commenced.
With story unfolding, I was surprised as I sensed
That these first graders quickly captured the theme,
Even providing ideas to improve on the dream.

Questioning pictures or words they didn’t know;
Guessing future actions and how the story would go.
Their ideas and comments so beyond their years
Promise a future of gladness, not sadness and tears.

These little ones listened, straining to see
How image and verse forged fun fantasy.
Fantasy turned real as these innocents displayed
A lesson of insight far ahead of first grade.