WHAT IS IN THE KNAPSACKS?

They all seem to have them, children of every size,
Overstuffed knapsacks filled with what great prize?
It cannot be just lunch, that would be a lot to eat,
For all you can see is tops of heads, legs and feet.

No teacher would give that much homework to do,
They’d have had to work the whole night through
To complete all the assignments piled in the bag,
Look, it is as though those young legs will sag.

How does it manage to fit in their locker so small?
Does everything come out, then everything fall?
I can see them now with shoulders closing the door,
Then worried, because they left something on the floor.

I’d love to be a mother again with a school age child,
For my undying curiosity is driving me quite wild,
From kindergarten to grade twelve carry them far,
You should see the little kid opposite try to get in the car.

One day I’ll stop a kid and ask to peek inside his pack,
Or just ask, “What is all the stuff you carry on your back?”
I do not know what the answer that may come will be,
But it is the only way to cure my ever growing curiosity.

M Ann Margetson ©February 9, 2001
2001.1123What

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