Back to school - first grade

When I was a kid
My mother brought me to
CVS or the five-and-10
I got folders and pencils
Pencil boxes and a new lunch box
TONS of clothing –
probably in pink and with flowers
A new haircut with hairspray
barrettes with ribbons I do clearly recall
I don’t remember knowing the teachers name ahead of time
I don’t remember visiting the school
I don’t remember any parents being involved
30 years ago

My son is starting first grade
We scoured the universe looking for a school
The right school
Where he would continue to blossom
Where he would not be the only
Son of a two mom family
African-American
Adopted
Brilliant
Ballet loving
Child
Where teacher would tell him it’s okay to want to be on Broadway
encourage his love and fascination with Senator Kerry
allow him to be proud of his gifts and not really notice the differences

I still bought a new lunch box
(although he is usually to chatty to eat)
I still bought new clothing
(although he loves his – mostly from a skate boarding shop or the rugged bear outlet)
He got a new haircut
(a low fade with skin and no part) Amazing new language
We have spoken to the head of school
The teachers and I am sure
We will be involved in every way we can
And in every way we need to be
And in every way we are needed

My baby is going to first grade
The world has changed in 30 years
I am so thankful
I can now try to make it safe for him
I am thankful to those who came before me
I hope I can help to keep the road paved for those who will come next
Good luck as school starts
We are all educators
Are we not?
but now they
will change the world
for us