04/09/2023
First Day
Shiny-shoed and nervous, at the school gate
they wait, and try
to catch the eye of that girl who
they met in the form room
with their tutor on that day back in June.
Sharpened pencils and pens lie neat in new cases
in new rucksacks on backs,
as they stand and wait,
breath-baited, necks craned for a glimpse of the Head.
All smiles and welcomes she arrives,
arms wide, unnecessarily calling for quiet,
voice rising above murmuring whispers
of dads, mums, older sisters reassuring that
All will be well.
‘Welcome, Year Seven!’ she cries to the girls
who all shuffle forward, hesitant to be first
through the gate, but worse to be last,
can’t be late today of all days.
This day that marks the start of new,
New chapter, new friends,
New bags, books and pens,
New joy, hope and fear,
New Chapter,
New Year,
All starting with shiny new shoes.
