5 Poems for Back to School Season
As summer winds down and school approaches, the air is filled with the excitement of fresh starts, new routines, and reunions with friends. While this season can bring anticipation and nervousness, it also provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on learning, growth, and the passage of time. What better way to do this than through poetry? Below are five poems that capture the essence of the back-to-school season, whether through vivid imagery, nostalgic tones, or poignant reflections.
“First Day at School” by Roger McGough
In “First Day at School,” Roger McGough captures the bewilderment and curiosity of a young child experiencing school for the first time. Written from the perspective of a child, the poem brims with innocent questions and wide-eyed wonder, making it an excellent choice for parents and children alike. McGough’s lighthearted yet insightful take on this pivotal moment creates a sense of both humor and tenderness.
“A millionbillionwillion miles from home
Waiting for the bell to go. (To go where?)
Why are they all so big, other children?
So noisy? So much at home they
Must have been born in uniform…”
“Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes’ “Theme for English B” is a profound reflection on identity, race, and what it means to be a student navigating the educational system. The poem was originally a writing assignment for an English class and Hughes takes the opportunity to delve into the complexities of his own experience as an African-American student. It’s a powerful read for high school or college students as they grapple with their own identities in an academic setting.
“I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like
the same things other folks like who are other races.
So will my page be colored that I write?”
“The Lesson” by Billy Collins
Billy Collins, known for his accessible and humorous poetry, offers a delightful take on education in his poem “The Lesson.” Through witty observations and gentle irony, Collins presents a teacher grappling with the inevitable distractions that arise in the classroom. His playful tone captures the delicate balance between humor and frustration that teachers often face, making it a great pick for educators.
In the morning when I found History
snoring heavily on the couch,
I took down his overcoat from the rack
and placed its weight over my shoulder blades.
“September” by Helen Hunt Jackson
Helen Hunt Jackson’s poem “September” perfectly encapsulates the shift from summer to autumn, with September too usually being the month that often signals the start of the school year. With vivid imagery, Jackson portrays the beauty of September as a time of transition, where the warmth of summer lingers while fall begins to take hold. This poem invites readers to embrace the changing season and the new beginnings it brings.
O golden month! How high thy gold is heaped!
The yellow birch-leaves shine like bright coins strung
On wands; the chestnut’s yellow pennons tongue
These five poems, whether they evoke the emotions of a first school day, explore identity in the classroom, or celebrate the tools of learning, offer readers a reflective and enriching way to usher in the back-to-school season. Whether you’re entering this back-to-school season as a student, a parent, or an educator, these works capture the spirit of change, growth, and curiosity that accompanies this special time of year.
