The Big Yellow Bus

The big yellow bus flies ‘round the corner,
Brakes’ scraping autumn’s cerulean air,
Intent on picking up the sojourner,                        
Young girl with velvet ribbons in her hair.
It’s the first day of school.

Plaid dress, white lace, by loving fingers sewn,
Hemmed to proper length well below the knee,
She stands pigeon-toed and shy, blonde curls blown;
Reading, writing ‘rithmetic, that’s the key.
It’s the first day of school.

Sturdy brown shoes, Daddy tied the laces;
She stares down at her feet, afraid to look
At bouncing heads, strange and grinning faces,
Each clutching to heart the critical book.
It’s the first day of school.

The big yellow bus at last comes to land;
Six years of waiting—now a little fear—
Reluctant to let go of mother’s hand,
The young girl says goodbye with smiling tear.
It’s the first day of school.