Laura Purdie Salas

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You are here: Home / Poems for Teachers / Back to School

Back to School

September 2, 2008 By Laura

Today is the first day of school for my 8th and 11th graders, so regardless of what the calendar says, it’s the first day of fall to me. Fall is my favorite season! And while doing my morning pages, I brainstormed some of the things that mean fall to me.


Fall is…

the sounds of water running and footsteps upstairs in the early morning as my kids get up for school 

hot chocolate with extra marshmallows

the smell of microwaveable bacon — one daughter’s favorite breakfast

my daughters heading to their bus stops in inky black mornings

planning my day’s schedule without including six chauffeur trips 

a love-me dog that will make me get outside every single day

venturing outside and ignoring the overgrown weeds that flourished in the backyard all summer

the occasional street perfume of fireplace smoke

the bluest, clearest sky imaginable

geese honking their bluesy, lonely-sounding songs as they call goodbye and fly south

feeling like anything is possible, like I could grow wings and fly with them

the miracle of maples turning orange and birches golden (somehow a surprise every year, because you never know just when it will happen)

dried leaves crunching underfoot

having my stomach feel tight all day as I wait to hear how my kids’ classes are

stretches of silence longer than 48 seconds 

looking over my projects and feeling enthusiasm instead of dread

my brain unclenching, preparing to actually focus on something

hot apple cider and its steam on my face hovering above it

checking school planners and asking about homework after school

watching my younger daughter pound the ground in cross-country races

eating dinner outside, cool air flicking our cheeks and hands

catching up on everyone’s day while eating stew or spaghetti

a cracked-open oven door after dinner, wafting delicious warmth through the main level

digging out the sweaters and the mattress warmer

admitting that the holidays aren’t that far away…and having that be ok

I know many of you, unlike me, love summer and might be feeling a little mournful this time of year. But I hope you’ll find lots to love and plenty to inspire your writing in this glorious season, too.

Tagged With: writing prompts

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JANUARY NEWS

I loved the holidays! And I'm so glad they're over. A quiet, snowy January is just what I need. This month, I'm working on two board book manuscripts, and I'm making materials to go with my 3 spring 2023 books.

I'm also busy prepping for upcoming author visits and setting my goals and priorities for 2023. Wishing you a lovely start to your own new year!

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