The Back of Beyond

“We’re going on a holiday.

We’re packing bags and GOING AWAY!

‘Away from it all’ in a camper-van.”

That’s how Dad announced his plan.

“Away from it all! Far out!” I said.

But Dad just grinned and raised his head

and muttered “Yes! exactly so.

The Back of Beyond is where we’ll go.”

“How long does it take to get to Beyond?”

I asked, but when he didn’t respond

I asked if there’d be other stops

along the way. Would there be shops

to buy some food? And would there be

interesting things to do and see?

“Away from it all!” How could Dad

think that was fun? Had he gone mad?

‘Beyond’ was not on any map.

Was this plan some kind of trap?

I told him: “Dad, I want to know

About this trip, or I won’t go.”

He promised lots to see and do:

A locust plague in Bugaboo

Kangaroo pies in Pinnaroo

Dingoes howling in Orrorooooooooooo….

DAD! What are you trying to do?

Names like that just can’t be true—

You’ve made them up, haven’t you.

I’m staying here in Woolloomooloo!

© Kate O’Neil   http://www.kateoneil.com.au

The above poem was placed second in the 2011 Toolangi CJ Dennis competition

SCARED!

by Edel Wignell

One day the numerals were playing in the park;

They all seemed friendly, the game was a lark.

But six was scared, kept glancing around –

Ready to dash away with a bound.

The leader called them to stand in a row,

But six hung back, refusing to go.

‘I’m scared of seven at the top of the line.’

So why was six scared? Because seven ate nine.

© The Australian Society of Authors

Blue Cheese and Honey

There lived a horse who liked blue cheese

Served on a plate upon his knees

And every day the meal he ate

was cheese he ‘d placed upon his plate.

While out one day he found some honey

and poured it all – so sweet and runny-

upon the cheese upon the plate

set on his knees and so he ate

But the honey he had taken

Could have been a BIG mistake!

Bees flying in a frenzied state

Made a beeline for his plate

The horse ran off and left the honey –

upon the cheese – all sweet and runny

Thousands landed on his cheese

consuming honey as they pleased

Till gorging on and sated soon

they droned off in the afternoon

The horse returned and placed the plate

upon his knees and he was pleased

to realise-at least the bees

had left his Blue Cheese – which he ate.!

So if you choose to eat blue cheese

served on a plate upon your knees

avoid the thought of honey dressing.

Blue cheese – alone -is quite impressing!

© 2013 Jill Carter-Hansen, jill@visionaryimages.com.au

MOBILE  0412 181101  

WEB   www.scbwi.org/Memberprofile.aspx?u=2971391104689993

At the Park

Great sticks in hand

we marched along

in lines as straight as roads

heading to the forest

where trees stand tall in rows

A sudden halt

I ground my stick

look back way o’er my shoulder

he follows,  s l o w

stick trailing now

behind my little brother

“Come on!” I cry

to speed him up

one last green stretch to cover

not knowing what the forest holds

it’s best we stayed together

He caught up fast

stick raised up now

and pointed like a sword

quietly we crept along

eyes peeled as we moved forward

tip-toe

tip-toe

tip-toe

tip –

We stop again

feet poised and still

and listen to the breeze

it brings the sounds of something

that lives within these trees

We feel it getting closer

hot breath and heavy steps

sniffing those who trespass

growling

then he leapt!

The fury of the dragon

was felt in flames of red

firing from his toothy mouth

smoke swirling round his head

We squeal as terror finds us

deep in this tree-lined forest

swords waving ‘round

as high-pitched cries

and beating wings surround us

Running hard

we stumble t’wards

the lit end of the path

an exit from the danger

a dragon’s angry wrath

Feet flying now

we cross the grass

and flop onto the mat

relieved, and breathing hard

we laugh … should we go back?

© Kristina Hoy

About the poet

Previously a full-time high school Science teacher, I now spend most of my time with my two young children. My poems are usually based on nature, written with the intent to encourage kids to explore, learn and connect with the outside world.

Contact Details:

km.hoy01@gmail.com

www.sandcastlesandskies.blogspot.com.au

There are some wonderful articles about different aspects of children’s poetry by writers and poets such as Michael Rose, Jack Prelutsky and Maya Angelou on this site: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/children/articles

Some of the articles are as follows:

Nurseries of Verse The only way to grow poetry is to make it a habit. By J. Patrick Lewis

Mary Ann Hoberman: 2008 Children’s Poet Laureate Whether writing about llamas in pajamas or befuddled fauna, her poems are always about the puzzlement of language. By Michael Atkinson

Home Appreciation Homeschoolers are turning a million kids on to poetry—through fun, not homework. Here’s how you can do it too. By Susan Thomsen

Snip, Snip! A talk with the children’s laureate of Britain. Michael Rosen interviewed by Bruce Black

More than Mother Goose Poems for the kids in your life by Julie Danielson and Eisha Prather

Lunchbox Poems Bologna sandwich, apple juice, and a little rhyming wisdom by Julie Danielson and Eisha Prather

An Xceptional and Xuberant Poet Jack Prelutsky on the poems of X.J. Kennedy. By Jack Prelutsky

Thank Goodness It’s (Poetry) Friday It’s an online literary happy hour, without the drinks. By Susan Thomsen

Dragons Pulling Wagons The Children’s Poet Laureate on Karla Kuskin’s children’s poetry. By Jack Prelutsky

Thanks to Dianne Cook for supplying this information!

Naked Nonsense: Guundie’s Ridiculous Rhymes

The Big Release

Today will be full moon.

I feel a little jumpy,

eat candy with a spoon.

My pet is also grumpy –

the fickle armadillo.

He hums a ghastly tune

and rips my finest pillow.

I feed him a chocolate prune,

dress him in his favourite coat,

tie him to a hot balloon

and set him free to float.

Soon he’ll land, will run and roam

and I’m glad he left my home!

© Guundie Kuchling