The first day back
You are energized –
New month
New start
New unit
New stories about
Spring Break exploits.
There is a joy,
An excitement
In the air.
The second day is harder
You are tired
From the day before
From starting a new unit
From the kids’ renewed energy
And their old behaviors –
You didn’t miss those!
There is a fatigue,
Exhaustion,
In the air.
From the third day,
It gets better.
Established routines
Favorite units
Taught to fresh faces
Still a lot to do,
But sliding towards summer
There is an energy
A hope,
In the air.
booksandbassets 
This brought back memories of when I was still teaching. The first day is always exciting. The second day the excitement wears off and it just becomes routine.
As was stated by above Slicer, this poem certainly brought back memories. Teaching is such a complex job; no one else could understand (except perhaps a doctor). I’ve been back in a school twice…and both times I left feeling exhausted!
By the third day, your spring break is just a distant memory. I remember those days. đ
Oh I can so relate! This is my second day back and I was feeling so TIRED at the gym this morning!! Tomorrow will be better. đ
This is a great portrait of a teacher’s life!
I am ALWAYS more tired the second day. It’s awful! Good luck getting through the week!
Great poem! I think you captured the tiredness after break exactly. But we do still need those breaks.
Second day back for me today, too. Your poem gives me hope for tomorrow!