Ready to Rise

To my second 6th grade class on the last day of school

‘You’re a liar,’ the lad said as I tried to explain
How next year would be harder; the teacher’s refrain.
‘Every year you teachers preach untruth!’
I kept my cool and inquired of the youth:
“Those are strong words, the way that you’ve phrased them.
Please explain your accusations, now that you’ve raised them.”
He shrugged, ‘Each of my many school years’ past
My teacher has threatened – Next year will be harder than last –
But it’s not! This year was as easy as any before.
You can’t scare me. I’ll not have it anymore.’
His tantrum subsided; he was done with his speech.
I considered his point; then I endeavored to teach.
“I hear what you’re saying; I did not mean to scare you.
My words are quite simply meant to prepare you.
Perhaps Next year is harder is a bit cliché.
Maybe I can describe it in a different way…
While it’s true the work increases – the academic rigor –
And you have to pursue it with high-minded vigor
That’s not all there is to it, this coming of age
You’re entering adolescence, a tumultuous stage.
Put hormones and growing bones and cell phones in a blender
Mix in identity and a dash of the opposite gender.
Pour it into a mold you’re not sure you’ll fit in…
More responsibility – don’t forget to throw that last bit in.
New teachers with new rules to learn and comply with,
New friends, new decisions to sink or to fly with…
Set to bake at three hundred or maybe more
Staying put on the 3rd or moving up to the 2nd floor.
So, you’re right, I should’ve said what I meant
Next year might not be “harder”, but it will darn sure be different!
And every teacher you’ve had who has prepared you thus far
Who has cajoled, pushed, inspired you to Raise the Bar
Will take pride in your comment – your conversation starter –
That you don’t think any “next” year will be harder.
(Just as an aside – one of those trials by fire –
Pick your words more carefully, too. Don’t call your teacher a liar!)
Now…lest you think “different” means only difficulty ahead,
Let me leave you with these comforting thoughts instead:
Change is coming, it’s true, but there’s no need to race it.
Greet it with a smile, a handshake; embrace it.
Meet the challenge of “different” with jubilant elation.
Congratulations!
You’ve made it one more year.
Enjoy your summer vacation.”

© Jeff Wilson, 2009