The Night Before Kindergarten

'Tis the night before Kindergarten
and all through the house,
Not a creature is stirring,
not even my spouse.

Then why is it
that I am still awake at this hour?
It's the thought that in the morning,
soon after my shower...

My son will be leaving
for his very first day,
of Kindergarten fun
- learn, lunch, and play.

I've been "fine" up 'til now,
not bothered by the thought.
I'm excited for him,
for the new things he'll be taught.

But as I tucked him into bed
just a few hours ago,
I was surprised by my own emotions,
suddenly aflow.

I wanted just to kneel there
next to my boy,
as he snuggled with "Cooper,"
his stuffed animal toy.

I wanted to hug him
so tight and so long,
and give him kisses
for any and all future wrongs.

It's not that I fear for him
tomorrow or the next,
But it's the speed with which 5 1/2 years have flown
that has me perplexed!

Wasn't it yesterday
that he was a babe in my arms?
That I was following a toddler,
keeping him away from harms?

Wasn't it yesterday
that I was coaxing him to speak?
That he was learning new words,
a handful each week?

How then is it possible
that Tomorrow is so near?
How can it be that to our corner,
the bus will steer?

Everyone always says
that Time really flies,
So I best compose myself
...and dry my eyes.

I wouldn't want to miss
all the adventures ahead.
Although I still wish
he could just stay 5, instead.

So in the morning
when Bus 10 pulls up to the curb,
I will smile and wave goodbye
and not say a word

About the mixture
of sadness and pride that I feel,
Knowing that this Next Step
is a pretty Big Deal.

I'm ready. Bring it on!
I can do this...I think.
I'll keep a stiff upper lip,
then come home and cry in the sink. (What?! It rhymes...)

I find comfort in the knowledge
that I have many friends that share,
My feelings of disbelief
and maybe just a bit of despair.

This "ride" is goin' fast,
so we'd better hold on tight.
Happy First Day of School to all,
and to all a good night!