September 15, 2016

Poetry Friday--"Back to School"

I know that in some regions, the kids have been back in school for a month and a half, but in others, kids went back after Labor Day. By now, though, I believe everyone has started the new school year. I hope it's a good one, but please be aware that for some children, it is not always an easy transition.

For today, I have a haiku/senryu sequence with the theme "back to school." Don't you love the photo? It's from a book titled, American Birds, Studied and Photographed from Life by William L. Finley (C. Scribner's Sons, 1907).


Click on the image to enlarge for easier reading. © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

Rounding up the poetry links for today is Michelle at Today's Little Ditty.
at

29 comments:

  1. Matt Forrest EsenwineSeptember 15, 2016 at 10:38 PM

    Love this!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sally MurphySeptember 16, 2016 at 1:27 AM

    Gorgeous - both photo and sequence. I love that you explore the diversity of first day experiences.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:00 AM

      There's so much we miss when we just look at the first day as exciting.

      Delete
  3. JoySeptember 16, 2016 at 8:29 AM

    Learning to wait
    Teacher calls us
    Her chickadees

    As always, Diane, your haiku are breath-taking.
    Joint custody hit me in the gut--amazing how haiku can do that.
    Well done, the picture was a great find and works so well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:01 AM

      Sweet haiku, Joy! Thanks for adding it to the mix.

      Delete
  4. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:10 AM

    What a tweet— I mean, TREAT, Diane! The photograph is delightful. As is your entire composition. I especially love the contrast of "first day of school" and "last in line" set next to each other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:05 AM

      I came upon the photo at exactly the right time of year! I don't know if it was the chicken or the egg.

      Delete
  5. author amokSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:16 AM

    Oh, the last in line haiku makes me so sad for that child. Amazing, how you've created a rich character in those few lines.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:07 AM

      Thanks, Laura. Haiku depend upon the reader to bring the back story.

      Delete
  6. jamaSeptember 16, 2016 at 12:05 PM

    You always find the best photos! Wonderful sequence, Diane. I also feel sad for the one who's last in line, and the mention of joint custody turns my thoughts to yet another narrative.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bridget MageeSeptember 16, 2016 at 1:08 PM

    Each one poignant and moving, Diane. Had to smile about the new underwear - that is a tradition with my girls to get new back to school underwear every August(along with shoes, backpacks, etc). =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:10 AM

      New underwear makes you proud and happy, and no one can figure out why!

      Delete
  8. Jessica BigiSeptember 16, 2016 at 2:31 PM

    the pic is wonderful and your poem is so true I love it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:11 AM

      Thanks, Jessica! Chickadees and sparrows always remind me of little children.

      Delete
  9. Brenda at FriendlyFairyTalesSeptember 16, 2016 at 4:54 PM

    You're right, it's one of the biggest days of the year. For a different reason for every kid.

    leaving mom
    who makes me feel safe
    to take a bus

    ReplyDelete
  10. Donna SmithSeptember 16, 2016 at 6:41 PM

    That is a wonderful photo! I love all the thoughts going on. Beautiful job getting into the heads of those youngsters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:14 AM

      Thanks, Donna. I like sequences and juxtaposing points of view.

      Delete
  11. Jane @ www.raincitylibrarian.caSeptember 16, 2016 at 9:50 PM

    Very true - every child experiences the world in different ways, and goes through different emotions and experiences, and it's important to remember that, especially those of us who work with little ones.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Violet N.September 17, 2016 at 6:11 PM

    I always love your graphic/poem creations, Diane! This is wonderful. (I ache for little "last in line".)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Linda MitchellSeptember 17, 2016 at 8:11 PM

    LOVE! And, thank you for knowing the transition isn't easy for every kid. It's tough for some.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 18, 2016 at 9:34 AM

      Yes, it is--so many unknowns to face, so many new anxieties to experience.

      Delete
  14. HeidiSeptember 18, 2016 at 7:47 AM

    Gorgeous and accurate, and somehow I love the Star Wars lunchbox best--that reliving of experience that the first day of school brings to so many adults.

    I received this note from a divorced, Irish dad of one of my 2nd graders:

    This is K's father , JB .
    I was thinking about the way I learned to read.
    Does the class all read the same book at school ? If so can I get a copy . I had a hard time reading out loud if I did not practice.

    Is that not heartrending?

    Thanks for the haikuechoes...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane MayrSeptember 18, 2016 at 9:38 AM

      Thanks for sharing that note. He certainly is to be applauded for making an effort. Don't forget to suggest/encourage the use of the public library. Question, is having children read out loud still a big part of teaching reading? I, too, was never a fan.

      Delete
  15. DoraineSeptember 19, 2016 at 8:48 AM

    You're such a creative little birdie!

    ReplyDelete