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.