Parent
I just took a picture of my child today
On the front door step
Just like my parents took of me
First day of school
Jitters
Look at her
Every hair in place
New dress
New blouse and shoes
Look at him
New pants
Still creased from the store
Precious
Miracle
My child
Whom I’ve held and helped
Here in my home she learned to talk
Here in my kitchen he learned to walk
I picked her up when she fell
For every child is a little flower
this I know
And while I still can
I will help them grow

Teacher
I just took a picture of my class today
By the jungle gym
Just like my teacher took of me
First day of school
Jitters
Look at them
Every hair in place
New clothes
Precious
Miracles
My children
I will hold and help them
Here in my classroom they will learn to write
Here in my classroom where they will learn to read
I will pick them up when they fall
For every child is a little flower
This I know
And while I still can
I will help them grow

Parents and Teachers together
We are entrusted with the care of children
We will find comfort
in the knowledge that children can love more than one adult
We know this year will go by fast
We will do our best to make it last
A teachable moment
A hug
A smile
We will help our children walk every mile
A push on the swing
A laugh
A look
A chance to cuddle while reading a book
Every minute
Every hour
Every tear we wipe away
together
We will help our children of today

Peter Stewart is a multifaceted teacher, performer, author, and composer. Currently, he is the director of Sing and Learn Music, founder of Project ride, and leader of the Potato Chip Band. He can be reached by email at PrideNow@aol.com.