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‘Twas the day before school’s back
And all through the land
Came the labelling of uniform
Stickering, sharpies in hand
From wherever we’d chucked them
After the giving of prizes
We unearthed our school bags
And checked shoes for sizes
Thanked our parents inwardly
As the clothes bought in June
Back then enormous
Had just enough breathing room
And congratulated ourselves
On persuading the parentals
Of the need for the purchasing
Of new cases and pencils
And we sharpened and sorted
And packed and zipped
Mixed feelings, butterflies
Locating bags for each kit
Sun-kissed,
Freckly,
Wind-swept,
No routine,
We’re well-rested and slept
Our nails are needing a clean
But now it’s spending time
Of the energy we’ve saved
To steeple chase new patterns
Of routine unknowingly craved
Now it’s alarms
Timetables
About showing up able
Working hard in class and play
About getting up and out
With minimal shout
Teeth gleaming
a smile for the day
It’s about snacking, re-packing,
And being prepared
It’s about talking, smart walking,
neat clothes and hair
It’s about clubs, and friends,
About learning to grow
About challenging ourselves,
Communicating what we know
We’ve got this.
We’re on it.
Come on School,
We’re ready.
Progress not perfection.
Growth in steps
Breathe
Keep it steady
Contemporary Poetry: A Snapshot in Time 