Dearest Marie.
(Jana Nadeau)
Dearest Marie,
At school I see you.
I watch what they say,
And I watch what they do.

Dearest Marie,
I want to help you.
I really wish they’d stop,
To wish is all I can do.

Dearest Marie,
They push you down,
They call you mean names,
Make you wanna leave town.

Dearest Marie,
Come to me,
Rest your head,
And stare blankly.

Dearest Marie,
They carved your name,
In the skin on your forearm,
Every day is the same.

Dearest Marie,
Say something,
Before they take it too far,
Something too daring.

Dearest Marie,
Why are you here?
It’s nighttime now,
And I sense your fear.

Dearest Marie,
They’re coming for you,
Climb me I’ll help,
Or I’ll try to.

Dearest Marie,
What have they done?
They reached in their bag,
Took out a gun.

Dearest Marie,
Oh, sweet little Marie.
You’re resting now,
You’ve been set free.

Dearest Marie,
No more bullies,
I tried to help you,
Don’t you see?

Dearest Marie,
You can rest on me,
Sit with me,
Stare blankly.

Dearest Marie,
Close your eyes and sing with me.
Sincerely yours,
The Birch Tree.