NEXT UP! 1 170 First Day Mrs Warren asks, ‘Do you speak English, dear?’ Crouching down, Resting her hands on her knees As though summoning a spaniel. Her voice is loud And clear, Her tongue pink and rolling. I nod and Mrs Warren smiles, Then sighs, Relieved. ‘So what’s your name, dear?’ Mrs Warren asks, And I’m glad, because I was afraid she had mistaken Me for someone called Dear, And that I would have to Respond to that name For ever. ‘My name is Kasienka,’ I say, Embarrassed to use my crooked English. Mrs Warren stands up straight and stretches her back. She sighs, Again, And ridges appear on her brow. She looks at Mama Then back at me. ‘Well … Cassie, welcome!’ I want to point out her mistake, Give her a chance to say my Name properly.
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