New Kid
“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.
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.
