Paul was one of my first grade students. I will never forget him and in my mind, he will always be the kid with the huge heart.

Heart shaped box of red crayons Lacy, white and delicate Pasted pictures of red hearts Ready just to celebrate Pudgy hands with fingers tight Holding on to dreams Little boy, eyes a fright Just take a look at him Hair slicked back with Daddy's gel Shoes all shined and polished Nerves in bunches, still he beams Shirt all white and starched Waiting for Miss Susan She ventures into sight His smile blows up and then his grin He sucks in breaths with all his might She smells just like his mother His heart is in a race His knees are just a'rocking Oh! For goodness sakes Then Miss Susan bends her knees Then takes his hand in hers She brushes back his tossed bangs Her tears causing a blur The teacher and this little boy All fresh and smelling nice Beams of joys traded then More than once or twice The first crush for this little lad The first time for this teacher The first of first for both of them Will make their memories richer Valentines are for the heart To tend the garden there Every year I remember Paul And the smile that he put there I have so many riches They shine within my soul On Valentines they appear anew To have again and hold. Susan K. deVegter ©Copyright February 14, 2002