Old Wooden Chest

by Emily Shein, Grade 6

The ladder creaks as I slowly climb up to the attic.
I blow the dust off of the old wooden chest.
I fiddle with the lock, cursing under by breath.
Maybe this time I’ll get it open…

I stand up and realize there’s a hole in my petticoat.
I push my mop-cap out of my face.
I look around for my clothespin doll.
I must have dropped it somewhere.

What’s that?
Horses are pulling up to the Elmendorph!
Who could be checking into the Inn at this time of night?
As he steps out of his carriage, I realize he looks familiar.
Have I seen him in the paper?
I have.
He must be Governor DeWitt Clinton!
My dad would be thrilled if I met him.
I’m about to run outside to see him when –

I hear my mom calling me downstairs for lunch.
She asks me why I was in the attic all morning.
But that doesn’t make sense.
I was only in the attic for ten minutes.

I can still smell the horse manure.
I can still put my hand through the hole in my petticoat.
And I know that the old chest caused all of this.
Somehow.

I love Red Hook because it’s small enough for me to be able to see the people I know and love almost every day. ~ Emily

The following poem, “Our Red Hook.” is a collaborative effort of the Abilities First students at Linden Avenue Middle School. The program supports students with severe physical and mental limitations.

Our Red Hook

by Abilities First Class

Red Hook
1812 RH became a town.
Holy Cow ice cream.
Walking in the town.
Bringing letters to the Post Office.
Hannaford
Village Pizza
Stewart’s green ice cream
Free coffee from Xtra Mart
LAMS, Room 165
Waving at people during our walks.
Going to Spanish and art class.
An Apple A Day Diner
Historic Village Diner