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First Line Index Poems Concerning School Life

 Here are a couple of First Line Index Poem connected to the theme of school life. Short and sweet renditions of this poetry form, courtesy of  UK Poets, Alan Ahlberg and Michael Rosen. Schools returned back this week across Australia, so the  theme is most apt.

Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I liked making them.






A Seagull Came To School

-After Alan Ahlberg


First day back at school

The bell rings

Everyone goes out to play

I see a seagull

In the playground

It follows me into the classroom

The teacher groans

There’s something in Harrison’s desk

-Boys will be boys.

Alan j Wright


 





Random Conversation Walking Home From School

-After Michael Rosen

It was summertime

I was walking home from school

My friend Roger says

People often say to me

Wipe that face off your smile.

Alan j Wright


It is once again Poetry Friday. Our host is Jan from Bookseed Studio . Jan shares lots  her favourite follow up links. 

 


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Comments

  1. Sarah Grace Tuttle1 February 2025 at 13:00

    Happy Poetry Friday Alan! Thank you for sharing your poetry today!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Denise Krebs1 February 2025 at 16:28

    These are fun school poems. "There's something in Harrison's desk" cracked me up. And I like the ending of that second poem. I couldn't find anything about the poetry form by Alan Ahlberg and Michael Rosen. Is it using first lines of poems to create these poems?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright2 February 2025 at 13:22

      These two poems are created from first line indexes. It just so happened that I was able to select lines that I was able to connect to a school theme. I remain grateful to both poetic creators of those original words. I just did the weaving. Denise, I am most pleased you enjoyed the results.

      Delete
  3. Rose Cappelli2 February 2025 at 00:01

    What a great idea to use first line indexes for inspiration. Love those poems, especially the seagull in the desk. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright2 February 2025 at 13:23

      Thank you, Rose. Glad you enjoyed these little poems.

      Delete
  4. Marcie Flinchum Atkins2 February 2025 at 00:35

    So fun! Thank you for sharing these moments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright2 February 2025 at 13:24

      My pleasure, Marcie. They were great fun to make.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous3 February 2025 at 10:27

    Appreciations so very much for this intro to First Line Index poem-making. It's a hoot, as presented by you. I giggled at the play on words/ reversal of a popular saying : "wipe that face off your smile."
    I've presented WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNt as a volunteer in school & am a M.R. fan.
    And also I've had as much fun presenting the Albergs' EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM,
    which also is a longtime family fave.
    Such a joyful page.
    Have a great 1st week of February, Alan!
    jan/Bookseedstudio

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright3 February 2025 at 14:33

      Jan, many thanks for your generous response to my first line index poems. You have some important background knowledge on these renowned UK poets I see. Cheers, Alan.

      Delete
  6. laurasalas3 February 2025 at 10:57

    These look like so much fun to write! Thanks for the smiles and inspiration. Adding this to my writing prompt list :>)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright3 February 2025 at 14:30

      Thank you. Laura. So glad you found some inspirationn here.

      Delete
  7. Liz Garton Scanlon4 February 2025 at 03:58

    Oh, Alan -- that second one especially charmed me. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright6 February 2025 at 13:34

      My pleasure, Liz. So glad you enjoyed your visit here.

      Delete
  8. Jane @ Raincity Librarian4 February 2025 at 06:45

    Oh, poor Roger! What is he up to?? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Karen Edmisten 4 February 2025 at 13:17

    These are delightful, Alan, and I needed the smiles today. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright6 February 2025 at 13:36

      Thanks, Karen. Smiles are a great outcome in my humble opinion.

      Delete

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