Acquiring Language

Peeling away the curtain
that blocks them from the outside world
the world of crickets, of wind,
of gulls, of raindrops, of horns
and engines and noise
random, chaotic, confusing
thrilling, exhilarating noise

Expressing, advocating,
speaking and hearing,
learning words and sounds

Smiling in the knowing that they
are gaining a beachhead, a foothold
on a lifetime of learning, inside
within the usual structure,
the common setting,
being part of the mainstream,

Using others’ language, others’ methods
for communication, able to engage
to debate, to argue, to sing, to laugh
to rhyme, to riddle, to wiggle and giggle
being part of the crowd, part of the rabble
and babble with the rest
on pace and on par
with the rest in the race

Growing and caring
caring in the sharing
of a secret, a story
a word, a song
because they are able
so put them at the table
for they are surely worthy
to fit in and belong

November 29, 2006 20:45

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.