The First Day of School

On the first day
possibilities thrive

dreams come alive
together we create and relate.

Our classroom holds the universe
in the eye of each child.

We can learn on the moon
dancing like a balloon in zero gravity

reading about oceans
as you float on the boat 

that was once your chair
in a classroom daring to become a jungle.

Stretch your words
taste each number

go outside and notice
what’s growing in the schoolyard. 

Watch closely 
when the seasons change.

Write your story
show your friends

share who you are and 
sing with your eyes.

Every question is an adventure,
an invitation to change the world

to be kind, understanding this 
is what it means to be human.

We celebrate being alive
with wonder and belonging

everyone here a twinkling star
in the system of our community.

© Jessica Outram

This poem was revised in September 2021.