Not sure if any of you have read this but this made me cry the first time I read it. It still touches me every time I read it again.

Do you know me?

They say, "You did not learn your fifty prepositions
Therefore you flunk English composition!"
But did you know: I read Castle in the Attic in a day.
The Indian in the Cupboard made my heart sing.
And I can answer all the riddles Bilbo did to capture Gollum's ring.
Did you know?

They say, "Your book report did not follow the form I gave you.
You get no credit!"
But did you know: I am writing a book of my own.
I didn't know if I could,
but when I tried, the words just came and came.
Did you know?

They say," You don't join organized sports. You don't do anything.
What's wrong with you?"
But did you know: I wrote a song for my mom
because I found her feeling bad.
My dad smiled and took his guitar and put my song to music.
We played it for my mom and she cried,
but I don't think it's because she was sad.
Did you know?

They say, "I am teaching the scientific process here,
and all you want to do is play.
You get a D!"
But did you know: I can name all the constellations
and find them in the sky.
Now I am learning all the Greek and Roman myths that go with each one.
It's exciting!
I have a million questions,
but you get impatient when I'm always asking,
"Why?" Why do you?
Did you know?

They say, "You did not do your homework review sheet.
You will stay for detention.
You do not keep your mind on the things that are important."
But did you know: I can feel the minute I walk into a room
if things aren't going well.
I know when someone needs a hug,
and I can give it too.
I can clown and make you laugh or
sit quietly and listen.
And if you share a secret, even if I don't understand
I would never tell.
Did you know?

Did you know that I can travel
anywhere I want to in my mind.
I can travel far away from you.
And I do.
Did you know?
No?
Because you do not know me.


By Pamela Quinn May 1988