Poetry Friday.
During the next few weeks,
schools will be closing for summer vacation.
As a tribute to teachers everywhere,
I share Mattie Stepanek’s poem–
written when he was eight years old.
May it bring you a few chuckles even as it has me.
Not Quite What I Expected
It’s the last day of school!
Everyone is so happy!
They’re laughing,
Running around, and
Talking with friends.
I expected that!
I expected happy kids, and
I expected sad teachers,
Who would miss their students.
I went out with the teachers
To wave goodbye to the buses
Loaded with cheering kids.
The teachers waved,
So sadly, and shouted:
“Bye! Miss you! Be good!
Have a nice summer!”
Then when the last bus
Was out of sight
Mrs. Jenkins went out
On the blacktop
And danced around singing,
“Hooray! They’re gone!
We’re free! We’re free!”
All the other teachers
Laughed and clapped.
Sometimes, things are
Not quite what I expected.
by Mattie J. T. Stepanek, June 1998
Celebrate through Heartsongs
About Mattie J. T. Stepanek. He did so much living and learning and sharing in his short fourteen years.
Margaret at Reflections on the Teche is hosting
the Poetry Friday Roundup today.
Join us there! Thank you, Margaret!
Poetry Friday Schedule: 2017 January – June.
Poetry Friday Guidelines
More about Poetry Friday
Everyone all around needs breaks, and here’s the proof–Funny poem Alice, thanks for sharing it!
I usually have a box of Kleenex strapped around my neck on the last day. Silly me! 🙂
Yes, Mattie, we do dance about a bit! Some years (like this one) quite a lot!!
🙂 Sounds like you’ll be dancing into the summer.
I know Mattie’s poems, and this is fun. Teachers do love their students, but everyone, teachers & students, need a bit of a break. Happy Summer, Alice!
I agree. Breaks are important… the change rejuvenates everyone.
What a fun poem! While I missed many of my students at the end of the year, I was also ready to celebrate the beginning of summer. Of course, it helps that I live in a small town where I frequently see former students around and about. Right now I’m even enjoying a role reversal as one of my former students is directing a play (and other acting in it) that I am stage manager for.
How special to enjoy a role reversal with a former student! I love seeing kids I taught, grown and raising their own kids now.
I’m always happy for summer, to have my kids home with me. They start the summer with fighting, jealousy and video game obsession, but by the end of the summer, my kids are rested, hugging each other and spending hours outside. Summers make our family stronger. So thanks for giving us our kids back for the summer! Woo-hoo!
🙂 Personally, I am with you, Brenda. I loved having time for just my kids and their friends during those years. Just as the end of a school year was bittersweet, so was the end of summer vacation from school. Have a wonderful summer!
You, too!
HA!! I definitely think some parents feel like this at the end of summer, too! 😉
You are probably right… especially if their kids are in grade 2 or higher. 🙂
This is funny because my daughter’s school created this video which fits perfectly with this poem. Our last day was today!
https://www.facebook.com/281088715325416/videos/1139635896137356/
Thanks for sharing the video link, Leigh Anne. I loved it!
Oh, it is always a bittersweet time… a few tears and a little jig!
🙂 so true, Donna.
Hee-hee! I might have been like Mrs. Jenkins a time or two – depending on the class. Thanks for sharing, Alice! =)
🙂 Glad you enjoyed it, Bridget!