First Day of School

By Rin Silrose

Pencil erasers cylindrical in shape,
Not a smudge of grey in sight.

Paper fresh out of the package,
White and flat as fresh-fallen snow.

Planners devoid of assignments;
No "Bio: Read Chapter 1" anywhere.

Binders waiting patiently for use,
The bindings at ease, not straining.

Backpacks bracing for textbooks;
No wear and tear or dirt to be found.

Students walking in new clothes
To see old and to make new friends.

Teachers square their shoulders,
Confidently going into their rooms.

The school has noisy hallways
On the first of 183 days in the year.