The Night Before Kindergarten

'Twas the night before Kindergarten,

And as he prepared,

Brayton was excited

And a little bit scared.

He tossed and he turned

About in his bed

As visions of school supplies

Danced in his head.

Erasers and crayons

And pencils galore

Were stuffed in his backpack

And set by the door.

His outfit was hung

On the doorknob with care,

Knowing that Kindergarten

Soon would be there!

In the morning it came -

School starts today!

Would the teacher be nice?

Would he still get to play?

His face was all washed,

His teeth were brushed white,

He posed for his picture,

With eyes sparkling bright!

He grabbed his backpack

And hopped into the car

And dashed off to the school,

Good thing it's not far!

He let go of mommy's hand

And then walked down the hall

And heard mommy promise

That she would not bawl!

The teacher then greeted

Each one with a smile

And invited the students

To stay for awhile.
The room was all filled

With books, colors and toys,

Such wonderful things

For all girls and boys!

Brayton was playing

And as happy as could be,

When he happened to look

And see his mommy,
And what to his wondering

Eyes should appear

But a very sad mommy

Who was holding back tears!

Her nose - so sniffy,

Her eyes - red and wet!

This was the saddest goodbye

Brayton had ever seen yet!

He ran to his mommy and daddy

On the magical rug

And then sent them away

After one final hug!

He waved to his mom and dad

From the door of the school,

"Don't cry Mommy! Kindergarten is COOL!"

(adapted from the book by Natasha Wing)