First Day

The shrieking of students as they greet each other with excitement,

catching up on missed times together.

They chatter in the hallways,

linger on the stairwells,

and walk with one another through a newly transformed school.

Fresh paint floats upon the air,

concealing marks of the past

for the start of a new year.

Winding corridors leading in circles,

flights of stairs on every corner,

and maybe a sign 

or two;

but uncertainty of the day ahead is heavy on my shoulders

like the collection of new books on my back.

Who will I meet?

What will I do?

What will others think of me?

I'm clueless of what high school has in store for me.

But an open door,

a warm smile,

and a greeting welcome me into the room

for the start of a new year.