To the parent who was searching til midnight last night

For the school shoes and kit bag; so long out of sight;

To the parent who stayed up with needle and thread

Sewing in name labels, something I dread!

To the parent who found the pencils and pens,

I salute you this morning as the holiday ends.

To the parent who has juggled their job through the hols

Being bread-winner, house keeper; multiple roles.

To the parent who dealt with the sibling fall-outs,

The late night TV and computer game shouts.

To the parent who managed to keep their mind sane,

I salute you this morning and share with your pain!

To the parent who found the school tie and shoes,

The games kit, the blazer, they have yet to lose.

To the parent who remembered the packed lunch today

Who rushed out to Tesco to ensure ‘5 a day’.

To the parent who waved goodbye to offspring

I salute you this morning, let the new term begin!