Hide and seek

 

I climb to the top, which is ever so high,

I straddle a branch with my head in the sky

and pause for a moment to contemplate why

I’d ever return to the ground.

 

I’m happy to sit here for hours, it’s true.

It’s great to have nothing specific to do.

I’ll sit and enjoy this magnificent view

until I am finally found.

 

If I were a bird this is where I would stay.

This view would be mine to observe every day,

a vast checkered quilt stretching out to the bay,

a truly spectacular sight.

 

The cows in the paddocks are tiny brown dots,

the cars just a series of bright coloured spots

and far in the distance are miniscule yachts,

their sails little  speckles of white.

 

The hours slip by as I gaze at the scene

of miniature houses surrounded by green,

a setting so stunning, so hushed and serene

that glows in the afternoon sun.

 

And now as the daylight is fading away

the colours below me are turning to grey

and thousands of sparklers have come out to play.

The evening show has begun.

 

A dog far beneath me has started to bark

and suddenly people flock into the park.

They’re busily rummaging round in the dark

and shouting wherever they go.

 

I’m sure something terrible must have occurred.

I’m straining to recognize voices I’ve heard.

I peer from my branch like a curious bird

at all of the action below.

 

And now, at the base of this towering pine

the dog I heard barking has started to whine.

I watch from this marvelous hideout of mine

as everyone heads for my tree

 

And suddenly everything’s perfectly clear.

I could be in trouble, I’m starting to fear.

I know why these hundreds of people are here.

I bet they’re all looking for me.

 

 

Jenny Erlanger

This was awarded third prize in the “Adults writing for children” category of the Toolangi Poetry Competition in 2015.