My sister loves to hear me read
a story in her picture book.
And when it's time to turn the page,
she eyes me with this special look.

But often she will frown at me
because she wants to read and can't.
She recognizes lots of words,
but new ones make her cry and rant.

"I'm seven, Sis, and you're but four.
You can't just close your eyes and pray
that magically all words make sense.
You need to learn a few each day."

She stamps her foot and glares at me.
"No, Pete, I want to read right now.
Why do I have to wait so long
when you are here? Just show me how."

"I'll try to show you how I learned
if you will listen patiently.
And if you practice on your own,
you'll soon be reading just like me."

I know she'll quickly learn these skills
because she really wants to read.
Our Daddy says, "If you have dreams,
work hard for them and you'll succeed."