(Joseph’s artwork in fourth grade)
he comes home
carrying his ‘brag’ bag
filled with momentoes
from a year of
kindergarten
report card
demonstrating his young
accomplishment
scrapbook documenting
month to month
adventures
photos of smiling faces at
school gatherings
field trip camaraderie
confluence of friendship
word book
complete with letters and drawings
‘Q’ as in darling queen with an impressive crown
‘T’ as in smiling tiger
and, teary-eyed, he plops himself
down on the couch
the final goodbye
out in front of his school
had been hard
he had felt the fullness
of this special year
with his special friends
and special teacher
and I join him in this pool
of emotion
for the merry-go-round of
experience does
not falter
and life asks that we
let go and extend our hand
to meet with grace
the next
offering
goodbye was not intended
to be easy
but it is simple
tears speak of
a good sadness
the heart’s way of showing
its gratitude
and willingness
to stay open
to further wonder and
delight
so I hold him
in this bittersweet
of endings
and we are
renewed
Annie Kiyonaga
2002