’Twas the Last Night of Summer’: Lafayette Mom Writes the Perfect ‘Back to School’ Poem

As the days of carefree summer slowly wind down and the scent of fresh school supplies fills the air, Emily Eaton, a local mother and educator, has woven her sentiments into a heartwarming and comical poem that resonates with parents and families all over Acadiana.

With a twist on the classic holiday poem, ’’Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ Eaton has crafted a charming ode to the impending back-to-school season.

Eaton, a 3rd-grade teacher at Milton Elementary, shared her masterpiece on her Facebook page, capturing the essence of the transition from summer fun to school routines. In place of reindeer and Santa, her poem whimsically captures the trials and tribulations of preparing for the academic year, complete with school uniforms and the obligatory "first day of school" photos that flood social media feeds.

The poem begins:

“‘Twas the last night of summer and all through the house,
The creatures FINALLY stopped stirring, as I drink a beer on the couch.
Their backpacks all hung and filled with supplies…
I don’t think I’ve seen my credit card so sky high.”

Parents across south Louisiana have rallied around Eaton's creative take on the familiar narrative. Her poem struck a chord with its relatable depiction of the back-to-school hustle and bustle. The post quickly garnered hundreds of comments and likes from fellow parents who found solace in the shared experience.

Jill Sellers, a fellow parent, commented, calling Eaton "amazing in every way" and extending warm wishes for the school year ahead. Alyson Eaton praised the poem, exclaiming, “This is the cutest poem! With the cutest kiddos!” Annie Lerille added her voice to the chorus of praise, encouraging Eaton to seek publication, saying, “Omg you are just completely awesome and should get totally published for this! Love it!”

Eaton's poem encapsulates the bittersweet feeling that accompanies the end of summer vacation. The anticipation of new classrooms, teachers, and friends mingles with the reluctance to bid farewell to lazy summer days. The poem goes on to humorously explore the challenges of establishing bedtime routines, motivating children to maintain personal hygiene, and preparing for the inevitable meltdowns that come with the territory.

The poem's final lines offer a heartfelt reflection on the passage of time, the summer's joys, and the excitement of new beginnings:

"We pray for a safe year, and to these moments we hold tight.
Happy school year to all, and to all a good night
Cheers to their teachers.
Cheers to prek4, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 8th grade!”

As the sun sets on summer and the school bells beckon, Emily Eaton's whimsical poem serves as a reminder that amidst the frenzy of school preparations, it's the shared laughter, challenges, and cherished memories that truly matter. With this poem, she has captured the essence of the back-to-school experience, uniting South Louisiana parents (and beyond) in their common journey as they navigate the new school year together.