Second Grade

To my second grade teacher, Ms. Ana Ardon, for allowing me to embrace my passions and for endless amounts of love, courage and encouragement. The most inspiring woman I’ve met, thank you for helping me realize the beauty in books and for going above and beyond. I push the elevator button to my life and count down

by Kaleen Luu

Illustration by Kaleen Luu

I push the elevator button to my life and count down

Take me back to seven and second grade, with recess and reading time.

We swung so freely, Balls beating the pavement: no bawling in the bedroom

Skipping rope instead of skipping meals

Erase those etched outlines this is my sidewalk chalk of dreams

My favorite teacher, She smelled like honey and flowers Love isn’t only in fiction

She gave me the gift of Junie B. now I wonder who I want to be

The elevator dings door Agape it left her somewhere

Her scent lingers I get on anyway my story isn’t over yet

I push the button.