Last Day Of The Summer Term Poem by Anne Havell

The last day of the summer term!
At last!
Yet paradoxically this da seems longer
Than the rest of the whole school year put together!
Excitement runs high.
Impossible to control those
Eel-like swarming hordes of pupils - wriggling bodies, wagging tongues, never-ending visits to toilets.
Best ignore forgetfulness - forgotten pencils, pens, rubbers, rulers,
note-pads, exercise books.
Excuse after excuse.
Just this one last day to get through.
And then for them release!
Six glorious weeks of freedom!
Freedom to run, shout, jump, fight, quarrel, laugh.
Freedom to explore without
restraining voices of authority.
Just think!
Seaside explorations, walks over downs, flights in aircraft,
journeys along canals, camps in the forest, laughter on wagons - horse-drawn, luxury hotels, holiday camp capers.
For all - real or imagined - visits to strange lands and places.
But fettered now by one last day of school restraint!

For the teacher too the day is endless.
Yet, paradoxically, it is a day to be savoured.
The thought of tomorrow is sweet.
Imagine sleeping for six weeks without grinding your teeth.
Not having to channel hostility
Because the wretched pupil won't try and
silly children keeps giggling
Because your life consists of
marking, checking, initiating, innovating, testing
motivating, growling - sometimes joking - and - sleeping!
Thoughts of freedom dispel class confusion.
This is a day not to be rushed.
Relish the thought of sweet tomorrow.

The bell rings, three-thirty is signalled.
Of one accord voices chime:
Three cheers for Mrs W…..
Feelings still need to be expressed:
Have a good holiday, Miss.
Enjoy!
See you next term.

They will be missed!

1972