"Hello World"

An Emulation of Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, written by July 2015 Guiding Eyes graduate, Kathy Nimmer

In the great big world,
There are street crossings
And traffic lights
And a bundle of challenges for those without sight.

And there are worries to drop and mountains to top,
And corners to turn and opportunities to earn,
And a few little fears and a few little tears.

And some hopes and some dreams,
And twelve new guide dog teams,
And a million believers of noble esteem, hearing us say, …

Hello, broken sidewalks.
Hello, lengthy routes.
Hello, reasons to dance and shout.
Hello, no longer anything to worry about.

Hello, clear commands.
Hello, clapping hands.
Hello, sits and stays.
Hello, endless praise.

Hello, traffic surge.
Hello, new found courage.
Hello, jingling tags.
Hello, kisses and wags.

Hello, not one dog the same.
Hello, awesome collection of names.

Hello, Schubert and Galahad, already on your way.
Hello, Pearl and Edlyn, little girls ready to play.

Hello, Gregory and Gingham, youngest siblings in the class.
Hello, Simone and Noriko, the speedsters who walk so fast.

Hello, Maggie and Ruby, canines with extra skills.
Hello Hero and Nacho, big boys who know how to chill.

Hello, tearful endings, complete with heavy hearts.
Hello, happy beginnings, where the real journey starts.

Hello, faith and love.
Hello, peace and joy.
Hello, strength and confidence.
Hello, “good girl” and “good boy.”

In the great big world,
There are street crossings
And traffic lights
And a bundle of challenges for those without sight.

And there are worries to drop and mountains to top,
And corners to turn and opportunities to earn,
And a few little fears and a few little tears.

And some hopes and some dreams,
And twelve new guide dog teams,
And a million believers of noble esteem, hearing us say, …

Hello, second chances.
Hello, being free.
Hello, unbelievable gratitude.
We can finally see.