Children milling around

Looking for the right line to stand on

Backpacks strapped on

Lunchpails in in hand.

Fidgety and nervous

Awaiting the new teacher’s face

The first day of school

A familiar but awkward place.

Waiting for bells to ring

Looking around nervously

Watching little eyes search the crowd

Hoping for familiar friends.

Parents stand and watch

As their little ones ring their hands

They find the right line to stand in

Saying “hi” to past year friends.

Teachers come out to meet and greet

The anxiety in the children still builds

Then from out of the wood work

A friend emerges full of smiles and giggles. 

A small tap on a shoulder

With chills the child turns around

The face they hoped for smiles

The sounds of laughter finally ring out.