Home Time: a sad poem for kids exploring how home time can mean different things to different children

A sad child is staring through locked school gates, wishing he could be inside.

Home Time

I stand outside the chained school gates
But me, I’m there inside
Locked in with all my laughter,
my pencils, pens and pride

My happiness runs round the hall
My hope hides in my tray
My confidence with teacher
My dreams up on display

I stand outside my own front door
My house no place to play
where ghosts of gloom come gliding
to greet me every day

Anger in the attic
Fear beneath the floor
Worries in the wardrobe
Doubts stuffed into drawers

I stand outside the chained school gates
I wish that now was then -
Monday morning, 9 o’clock
When hometime's here again

©2010 Mark Bird

💡I've worked with thousands of children during my career as a teacher and lots of those children have gone through extremely tough times. A sad poem for kids is as important as a happy one; it helps children explore the challenges they or their peers are going through. A sad poem for kids also helps children see that other people have been through the same thing. Do you know a sad poem for kids that could help children reflect and inspire discussion? I'd love you to share them with me.