A new school day

September 19, 2019

I round the corner of the village school

and am met by a kaleidoscope of moving colour,

whirling dervishes, apparent chaotic motion,

and that cacophony of sound like no other.

Children, their shadows running before them,

at the start of another school day,

full of exuberance and energy,

playing in a heartfelt, joyous way.

And on the fringes, here and there,

parents, some in deep in earnest conversation,

catching up on all the latest news,

relating stories from their recent vacation.

Some are buried in the bags and coats,

jettisoned by their playing ward

others wave in recognition,

nods replacing the spoken word.

Then a bell, loud and shrill,

resonates through the air,

children rush to parents,

goodbyes and cuddles everywhere.

They form their lines in classes,

and move off beneath the trees,

these children that carry the hopes and dreams

of all their families.

And then I am stood all alone,

in dappled sunshine in that place,

feeling the autumnal chill,

in the breeze across my face.

And then I notice the moorland scene

beyond the five bar fence,

the rocky outcrops and bracken brown,

and I am bathed in peaceful silence.

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