I wrote this poem a few years ago after seeing my children breaking up for the summer holidays from Hildenborough Primary School; and now that I'm a school gate veteran it seems less appropriate to me, but it did capture one moment in my life quite well (with a bit of poetic licence of cause.) I've never been more glad to be wearing sunglasses, which enabled me to disguise my emotions. Maybe it'll strike a chord with some of you (especially the dads) as you relax and enjoy some time with your kids this summer.
My Cool Sports Shades
For the first time
I witness this touching spectacle
Before my eyes,
Unexpectedly tearful,
Behind my cool sports shades
In the warm July sun.
Smiling teachers
Beaming children shouting, excited;
Laughter.
“Freedom!” they cry.
Teachers grin sighs of relief,
Saying their final Goodbyes to parents,
They share hugs from the tearful
Girl leavers
And one or two boys.
Shirts signed by all their mates
From collar to tail.
Touching embraces, from secret sweethearts.
(Maybe one day, who knows?)
Or in another life perhaps.
Boys thinking they’re men,
Girls become women so fast.
Then first my boy
Through the crowd,
His face gradually appears, as I pick him out
His face relieved yet sad,
As he hands me a painting, of Everest.
(So many mountains to climb!)
Then my daughter
Like a fairytale princess
Sees me before I spot her.
Smiling, handing me paintings,
Notepads, pencil case and bag.
I become the porter for a whole year’s worth of kids stuff,
Like a cricket umpire; it’s part of my day.
“Year six now!”
“Year two now!”
But first that long rest in between awaits them.
“Pyjama Day tomorrow!”
It’s the end of term!
I dab a tear secretly
From the corner of my eye,
Behind my cool sports shades.