We’re back on deck,
back on deck,
in twenty twenty-three!
The words will flow,
the rhymes will glow,
as poets write with glee.
Jeanie’s there,
in her chair,
to steer the ship again.
So do not shirk,
send your work,
just pick up your pen!
What is a poem?
It’s words from the heart,
with rhythm and rhyme,
with an end and a start.
What’s in a poem?
That’s all up to you.
People or places
or things that you do.
All poems grow
from a thought or a theme –
an idea or feeling
that flows like a stream.
Reading or hearing
a poem’s like song.
The words are the music.
Join in. Sing along.
Poems are fun.
Sort of playing with words.
Like …
Let’s all grow feathers
and fly with the birds.
Let’s all be cows
and play football in herds.
There are all sorts of poems
with all sorts of sound
with all sorts of meanings.
You’ll find them around.
Search them online.
Check the library shelf.
Look in a bookstore –
or write one yourself!
I can’t write a poem!
Now, how do you know?
Why don’t you try it?
Just give it a go.
Maybe …
Write about breakfast.
A story at first.
Like …
How you kept eating
until
BANG!
You burst.
Then write it in rhyme.
Just a few lines at first.
Don’t try to be best
or believe it’s the worst.
Enjoy!
Write your poem
then read it aloud.
Share it with others.
You did it!
Be proud.
Read lots and write lots.
Have poetry fun
For you …
or your friends …
or perhaps …
everyone!
Santa’s on his surfboard
hanging five in the eucalypt tree
Santa’s Aussie holiday’s
a Christmas gift from a devotee;
time-out in early December –
relaxation by the sea.
Santa’s got his gear on –
bright red Speedos trimmed with fur,
spindly legs as pale as snow-drifts –
muscles not quite what they were
but Santa’s famous for surprises –
and really loves to cause a stir.
So when he’s done his tree-top practice
(that’s where he has parked his sleigh)
he’ll go and mingle with the grommets,
laughing, chatting on their way
to ride the breakers in the ocean
on this perfect summers’ day.
Kate O’Neil
Australian Children’s Poetry 