15/11/2024
Twas the night before the transfer test, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The pencils were sharpened, the books put away,
In hopes that sweet dreams would come before day.
The children lay nestled, snug in their beds,
While formulas and vocab danced in their heads.
And I in my slippers, a mug in my hand,
Reviewed multiplication I barely could stand.
When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew in a flash,
Spilling my tea in a hot, panicked dash.
The moon on the frost of the late autumn night
Gave a glimmer to everything, ghostly and bright.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature desk—and eight tiny ideas near.
With a little old tutor, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Tic.
More rapid than eagles, his insights they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now Grammar! Now Reading! Now Fractions and Spelling!
On Logic! On Patterns! On Memory Telling!
To the top of your class, to the best of your hall,
Tomorrow, young scholar, you’ll conquer it all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up through my thoughts his advice swiftly flew,
With a head full of courage and wisdom brand-new.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard by the door,
The sound of my child, pacing the floor.
As I drew in my breath and was turning around,
Into my arms they came with a bound.
Their eyes, how they sparkled, though weary with care,
“Will I do well tomorrow? Is it too much to bear?”
Their little mouth quivered, their heart beat so fast,
I knew it was time to banish the past.
“Tomorrow,” I said, “is a chance to be bold,
To show all you’ve learned, every story you’ve told.
Remember, dear one, that the test does not show,
The depth of your kindness or the courage you know.”
They smiled at my words and returned to their rest,
Prepared to arise and to do their best.
And as I turned back to my quiet, warm room,
The first hint of peace dispelled all my gloom.
So as you prepare for challenges near,
Remember your strength and cast out your fear.
For tests come and go, but what’s always true—
Is that no one can dim the brilliance in you.
