Hi, I’m Kenn Nesbitt. Welcome to today’s episode of Poetry4kids! With the new school year just starting up here in the U.S., I couldn’t help but think about all those shiny, new back-to-school supplies—new clothes, fresh pencils, spotless notebooks, and clean lunch boxes. There’s something exciting about starting the school year with everything brand new. But as we all know, it doesn’t take long for those new supplies to show a little wear and tear. I wrote this poem to capture what the first week of school is like, from that eager first day to what happens after just a few days of fun and learning. I hope you enjoy it.
The First Week of School
The First Day of School
My pencils are sharpened.
My shirt is brand new.
My pants and my socks and
my sneakers are too.
My folders are empty.
My lunch box is clean.
I’ve got a new phone with
no cracks on the screen.
My notebook is spotless.
My markers are bright.
My scissors are sharp and
my backpack is light.
One Week Later
My pencils are broken.
I tore my new shirt.
My pants, socks, and sneakers
are covered in dirt.
My folders are full and
my lunch box is black.
My notebook is tattered.
My phone has a crack.
My scissors are twisted.
My pack weighs a ton.
My markers are dry.
Man, this week sure was fun!
— Kenn Nesbitt
