A huge thank you to Amy Warntz (Runner, Reader & Rockin’ Mom)for the structural inspiration for this post! On this first day of school, I couldn’t have written without it. Thanks, Amy!
goodbye to not knowing the day of the week
hello to TGIF
goodbye to lazy, lounging PJ days
hello to picking out work clothes
goodbye to slow, easy dawns filled with writing and bird song
hello to setting alarms and rushed grab-and-go mornings
goodbye to first grade and a wonderful team
hello to fourth grade and exciting new challenges
goodbye to shorts, tank tops, and iced lattes
hello to slippers, fuzzy socks, and hot coffee
goodbye to sun-ripened berries and juicy pit fruit
hello to the warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin
goodbye to cook-outs and refreshing salads
hello to robust stews and soups bubbling on the stove
goodbye to my girls as they head back to college
hello to weekend visits for concerts or a meal
goodbye to August filled with anticipation and preparation
hello to September and lively, learning days
Nix the comfort zone 
You have captured how one season leads to the next beautifully and with anticipation rather than dread. Glad you left out the common cold which happens every year when I get around kids again.
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Thanks, Margaret. Lucky for me that common cold must seek you out rather than me!
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I love your “goodbyes” and “hellos”! Yes, it is so difficult to give up those PJs! But I am looking forward to the warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin. Glad you enjoyed the writing and thanks for sharing!!!! 🙂
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Thanks again, Amy! I must say pumpkin can make up for just about any loss! 😉
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I like the contrasts and the positivity. September leads to new starts and welcomed smiles from little ones.
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Thanks, Carol. I love your comment about September–it would have been a great way to end my poem. I was dazzled by lots of smiles and hugs yesterday 🙂
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I liked Amy’s structure as well. If I don’t give birth before next week, I think it is one I’m going to try.
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Stacey, I think you could have a lot of fun writing one about the transition from pregnancy to motherhood (or from a family of 3 to 4 or from only child to big sister.) Amy’s structure is very versatile! Hang in there! I’m sending loads of positive thoughts your way.
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Lively, learning days! That’s exactly what September is!
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I’m having fun learning all about fourth graders! So far, so good. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Both positives, good times behind and ahead. I like the idea, Molly, & you made the structure work beautifully for you, too. Have a great rest of the week.
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Thanks, Linda. It’s a great structure for times of transition. It would be fun to teach to my students.
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I love this, Molly! I think I always miss the “slow, easy dawns filled with writing and bird song” the most. Hope your year is off to a great start!
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It’s very tough for me to give up mornings, Catherine. It’s lovely to linger over coffee, writing notebooks and the slow start to the day! I guess that’s what Saturdays are for now! My first day was great and I hope your year is off to a super start as well!
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I can relate to this so much !
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Love this structure! I bet fourth graders would warm to this kind of poetry. Have a great first week with the 9 and 10 year olds.
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Thanks, Dan! We’re off to a great start!
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This is great, Molly! It is exactly how I’m feeling. Yesterday I told Missy that I feel like my life has suddenly changed since we are back in school. This structure is perfect to express this! It’s a good reminder though, that what’s coming is also so exciting! (FALL! )
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Thanks, Cindy! It’s definitely a time of change! It’s nice to see all my wonderful colleagues again, too–I should have included that somehow!
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This is everything. It makes me remember all the hellos I have to look forward to this month.
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Thanks for stopping by!
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