The first visit to this place I was in awe
Didn’t know what to expect and what not to
Looking around wondering if it was anyone else’s first time
Blood flowing through my veins faster and faster
Skinny knees shaking and weak under my jeans
I suddenly see someone I know and she smiles
A special childhood friend of 50 years or so
She puts a certain glow all around the table
One glance with that message only friends know
You can do it she said with laughter in her voice
And so much fun and gleam in her eye
You could tell that she had been here before
Her name was called and she started to play
Wooden flute and magic blowing through to us
Faraway chants sung to generations with feeling
The crowd and I are here for the same thing
To express yourself among others enjoy the words
Cozy chairs, crayons and tables with nice folks around us
Soon you are wrapped in the world of words all is forgotten
For the moment you are you and not first anymore we all are number one
As you leave for the night with future promises to return again
Your head starts to fill up with excitement about your next time
Suddenly you don’t want to leave hoping for one more poem or story
Lights out goodnight everyone
Born and raised here, Linda Bergeron Freedman works as special aid at the center for living and supportive day program. She loves her job there.