POEM - Field Trip

What could be better

Than a field trip

Even now

As I take on new roles

Of parent and chaperone

I'm just as excited

To meet at the bus

Pick the right seat

And leave the school

For a date with adventure

Tonight is the Symphony

So sophisticated

With middle school-ers

So insane

And I will try to be the cool kid

Sit in the back of the bus

Jump out of my seat on the bumps

Act distracted and disinterested

Too cool for school

But I'm the same as these kids

Hoping for a friend to sit close

Self-conscious

Of my breath

And my hair

Wondering

If I'm saying the right thing

Or striking the right pose

I think I'm doing ok

As I sit and stare at my phone

Typing away oblivious

Like half the bus

Checking on my daughter

As discretely as I can

She catches me

I smile

She smiles back

She’s still not too cool

To let me sit by her

Was excited that I could come along

Will even stand next me

Without being asked to