First Day at School
by Roger McGough
A millionaire’s day begins with
A bowl of Cornflakes splashed with milk.
A school day begins with
A million questions swimming in your head:
Will they let me take teddy?
What happens if I need the toilet?
Dinner meant lunch, but what if
I forget? And say dinner when I mean lunch?
Will everyone else know what to do
And where to go? What if I am the only one
Who doesn’t recognize the bell?
Or understand a single word?
Why does the teacher wear that look
As if she is trying to remember
Where she put something? And why
Do I feel like something she forgot to put away?
About the Poet
Roger McGough (born 1937) is one of Britain’s best-loved poets, often called the “Patron Saint of Poetry” in his home country. He is known for making poetry accessible and fun for readers of all ages. McGough began his career as part of the Liverpool Poets group in the 1960s and has since written over fifty books of poetry for both children and adults. He is famous for his witty wordplay, his ability to capture everyday moments, and his talent for seeing the world through children’s eyes. His collections like “Sky in the Pie” and “Bad Bad Cats” have delighted young readers for generations. McGough has received numerous awards, including the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to poetry.
About the Poem
“First Day at School” is a sensitive and insightful poem that perfectly captures the anxiety and confusion that children feel on their first day of school. What makes this poem special is how McGough contrasts a millionaire’s simple morning with a child’s morning full of worries. The poem gives voice to the unspoken fears that many children have but might find hard to express – from basic concerns about using the toilet to deeper worries about fitting in. Through simple language and realistic questions, McGough creates a poem that resonates with both children and adults, helping readers understand and empathize with this universal childhood experience.
