Early September
a sunny day
I am wearing an itchy trouser suit
on my first school day
dressed in bright yellow
visible from outer space
this outfit is a parental disgrace
please ground open up and swallow me
a camera is hounding me
trying to catch my attention
as the mechanism works its magic
I skilfully avoid the evil eye
clutched to my chest
a precious treasure
my conical cardboard friend
the Schultüte
almost as tall as me
is intent on toppling me
decorated in pale blue and pink
adorned with childhood fairy tales
German princess Rapunzel is waving at me
how ironic
that this iconic beauty is messing with me
my hair is so short and thin
no hair clip will ever stay in
a gigantic bow
gathers the Schultüte's
fabric lining at the top
hiding sweets, chocolate, toys and school supplies within
first day of school
autumn of '81
let the yellow itchy scratchy nightmare begin