Beyond the protection of the playdough worn kitchen,

and Mom humming lullabies in the dark room,

there is another universe.

A frightening world

of strange smelling green leather seats,

and tennis-shoed Big Kids who can spell

"M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I."

A world enclosed by cardboard block towers,

and circles of carpet remnants

spread out for Story Time.

A world where letters are people,

and graham crackers are hoarded

in linty pockets.

A world of a single-file lines,

and "Indian-style" sitting circles.

A world where your blankie is not welcome

and Mr. Teddy must wait until Show and Tell.