"Dear Teacher..."

Dear Teacher …

I’m sorry that I wasn’t here.
I’ve been at home, so sick.
But Mommy’s friend gave me some pills
That fixed me up, real quick.

I sneaked away to come to school.
My mommy doesn’t know.
She said I wasn’t well enough
And that I shouldn’t go.

I guess I am a clumsy child;
That’s what my mommy said.
'Cause I have bruises every day
From falling out of bed.

She said my feet are growing fast
And that’s what makes me trip.
That’s how I got my bloody nose
And cut marks on my lip.

I should be careful near the stove.
I know it gets real hot.
That’s how my hand and arm got burnt.
I guess I just forgot.

I know sometimes I misbehave.
Then, Mommy gets the belt.
I really try hard not to cry,
But every smack is felt.

Sometimes my mom forgets to stop.
My back and legs get sore.
I promise I’ll be good if she
Won’t hit me anymore.

My mom says I’m a pretty girl.
Her boyfriend thinks so, too.
But they get mad when I’m afraid
Of things they make me do.

There’s so much school work that I’ve missed.
I’ll work on it all day.
I’ll even work on it tonight,
If you’d just let me stay.

I really like to come to school;
I really like first grade.
Please let me stay at school with you.
At home, I am afraid.


40 lines
rhyme: abcb
rhythm: 8-6-8-6