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It was a day at the kindergarten

The teachers

indifferent? or menacing

found my chemistry experiment noxious

My pigtails were coming undone

I ruined my lunch

And the boys

they said words that I didn't understand

And suddenly

I see a man at the door

a glance at the door told me all I needed to know

a man in a brown wool cap

clutching his walking stick in silence

his eyes resting on the sea of small heads

I knew it was time

it was time

His eyes met mine

and I abandoned my playthings

He muttered inaudible words

but I understood

it was time to go home

Oh the comfort of seeing that face

although his eyes never seem to focus anywhere

on anything

His mere presence was always sanctuary

And tonight

though his pupils dilated for the last time

His strength will always be strength

And I hope he’s found a focus

For he’ll always be mine

And I hope he’s found his comfort

The same propitious promise of home

I always found in his face