Poem #6- Raising Rooney-- Fifty-Seven New Friends

"Fifty- Seven New Friends"

You don't start school 

the last week of the year

But I did. 

I made fifty-seven new friends.  

We went on a field trip.

Had to walk three miles.

My mom wondered 

whether she could

carry me that far.

She didn't need to worry.

Fifty-seven new friends.

all carried me a block. 

Then started over. 

They took turns bowling

and babysitting.

We went for ice cream.

I tried walking.

Made it a block.

Then went right back

to hitching a ride. 

Everyone wanted to share

their ice cream.

My mean mom said no.

But she did  let them 

share their laps. 

You don't start school 

the last week of the year

But I did.

I made fifty-seven new friends.  

(C) Carol Wilcox, 2021