They show up angry, hungry, afraid
Missing their homes, missing their beds, needing their moms
Some are defensive, some are shy, some tell tall tales
Some even invent dangerous games, and revel in the chaos

Yet you smile, you listen, you comfort
Your touch calms, your voice reassures, your eyes pay attention
The day twists and turns, yet you steer the ship through rough seas
with the expertise of a master mariner

Adventures in science, history, art,
Math, music, language and beyond, are laid at their feet
Golden keys to open locked doors and secret passwords to hidden portals
Unveiled and deciphered

Missing books, broken pencils, empty cabinets
Replenished and filled with portions of your meager paychecks
Those designer shoes and exotic cruises to foreign lands
will have to wait

While you spread magic
Share wisdom
and create bright futures.

*dedicated to my mom – Sarwat Riaz – artist, Montessori Teacher, and an extraordinary source of strength and inspiration