Learn to Read, then Read to Learn

          
         
From Kindergarten throughout life.          
         
See Spot run. Run Spot run.          
         
Watch the squirrel scurry up the tree.          
         
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.          
         
"Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet.          
We all breath the same air. We all cherish our children's future.          
And we are all mortal."                                                                      John F. Kennedy          
         
"I Have A Dream"                                                                           Martin Luther King Jr.          
 (A speech too profound to give it justice here and should be read personally for the appreciation of it's depth.)
        
"What matters in life is not the mere          
 fact that we have lived. It is what difference          
 we have made in the lives of others"                                Nelson Mandela (Madiba)          
         
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Now in this poem, I'm Chan-ti-cleer          
a name the rhymes with *shout and cheer"          
I am a rooster, from years gone bye          
but from a fox, I did not hide          
let not your downfall, be your pride          
as in the fable, set it aside.          
         
         
         
Around the yard, I puff and strut          
bugs galore, though not enough          
         
A morsel here, a tidbit there          
I peck and peck, until it's bare          
         
But, I'm still hungry, starved to death          
my feathers hanging, from my chest          
         
Some will say I, in-gur-gi-tate          
a word that rhymes with, "should not hate"          
it only means, I eat too much          
as like a pig, I stuff and stuff          
         
For grand proportions, I desire          
I eat and eat, and never tire          
         
Worms from dirt, or ants from grass          
or bugs that land while flying past          
down to my tummy, they will pass          
a tasty treat, may be my last          
         
Strength they bring, is ad-sci-ti-tious          
a word that rhymes with," they're delicious"          
brought from outside, to within          
and in this poem, gives me a grin          
         
three new words, perhaps you've learned          
but, if not now, it's no concern          
just have someone, read you some more          
so future reading, you will adore          
         
Submitted for consideration in the RECALL: AGE OF INNOCENCE comp.        
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**Dedicated to my parents, past teachers, and one true online friend, who opened my eyes to the joys of writing, unshackling my spirit, and letting it soar.