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# New Kid
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/new-kid/
- Published: 2026-04-06T21:42:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:09:53.000Z
- Description: “New Kid (on the Block),” a blending of core first day memories in honor of my first day of work in my next chapter. Written April 06, poem 096 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo, "Smile! First Day Pancakes," by Diana Ludwick (c) 2026.
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Generational, Humor, Poems, April, Bold, Brave, Buttermilk, Day 1, Drop-Off Day, First Day, Free Snacks, Free Will, Fresh, Level Up, Lunch Buddies, Memories, Mom STOP!, Mom-approved, Mom-Vetted, New Chapter, New Kid, New Kid on the Block, NKOTB, Pancakes, Projects, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

Day 1:   
Level Up, New Chapter.  
Fresh buttermilk pancakes.  
  
New outfit:  
skirt hem, shoes and hair  
all Mom-vetted-and-approved.  
  
Photo time:  
Posed candids on  
the house front steps;  
proof of milestone.  
Session ends predictably,  
upon the first "*Mom stop*!!!"   
  
Transport time:  
Ride in to a new building.  
Enter through the front doors.  
Cluster around new faces.  
Stare around at new sights.  
  
Schedule time:  
Await instructions   
from someone   
who looks like they  
know what they're doing.  
  
Intake time:  
Take another photo.  
Get a lanyard.  
Meet the new class.  
Get assigned a desk.  
(No, can't switch with a peer.)  
  
Back-to-school vibes;  
New Kid on the Block:   
NKOTB.  
Drop-off Day of summer camp.  
  
New Girl:  
Day 1,  
brand-new role,   
exciting organization.  
  
Here’s to free will  
and free snacks  
and lunch buddies  
and bold projects  
and a fresh routine.