The Disappearing Island by James Aitcheson

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A sandy island in the Gulf
beckons us to make landfall.
A picnic here is lots of fun
while flocks of seabirds call.

The waters slapping round the shore
look inviting in the sun,
but listen to the boatman
when he warns everyone:

“Just step into that gentle tide —
up to your knees will do —
and a hungry tiger shark
will bite you clean in two!”

Best leave before the sun goes down,
that’s when the tide will rise
and cover every inch of ground
and catch you by surprise.

Going, going, almost GONE!  Sand Island off Karumba, Queensland.
Photo by Ginette Pestana

January Prompts

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Welcome 2026! 

We hope that you’ve had a lovely holiday season and are ready for some new beginnings.

Looking forward to receiving your poetic creations, so email them to me, Linda Davidson (your new ACP Administrator), at:

ozchildrenspoetry@gmail.com

Date prompts:

  • International Kite Day (14th Jan)
  • Penguin Awareness Day (20th Jan)
  • Australia Day (26th Jan)

Picture prompt:

This is the first panel of a large artwork titled TIME TO GROW by Sharon Davson

Everyone’s Waving In Winter by James Aitchison

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A polar bear waved to me

and called a loud “hello”,

as he floated past eating fish

on a jolly big ice floe.

Penguins flapped their flippers,

a humpback slapped its tail,

and I waved back with all my might

as onward I did sail…

(In response to the Winter Waves prompt)

Winter Waves by Meg Mackey

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Winter waves,

it’s icy fingers in gusting winds and shimmering rain.

It twists and hurtles,

comes splashing,

returning again and again

to direct its deliberate blast northwards

without any pause.

That cold intention tho,

is lost on our warm and tropical shores.

(In response to Winter Waves prompt)

“There once was a girl who ate chips” by Dannielle Viera

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There once was a girl who ate chips
and anything else near her lips.
She soon grew so wide
from the junk food inside
that she caused a full solar eclipse!

“Little Spiderman” by Toni Newell

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Four little spidermen,

Climbing up the wall,

Who can climb the highest,

Without taking a fall.

“Rebellion – Punk Revival “– By Louise McCarthy

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It’s just a phase, 

An episode,

A rebellious turn,

Part of the road.

It’s just a stage,

The youths are idle,

Unexpected – 

You’ve lost the bridle,

Then you screech

“If I’ve told you once…” 

The same old speech…

Like talking to the fence.

Suspended talk, mid litany – 

You take a long, deep breath.

Then comes this weird epiphany,

And you storm off down the street!

Five hours later you reappear,

The family’s really missed you.

“We’re starving…” Yes – they make it clear,

Unplugging from their gadgets.

They tear away from cyberspace,

Reality’s for ancients.

But then they see you sitting there,

All calm – relaxed and quiet.

“Mum! What’s happened to your hair?

It really looks a riot!”

You deal a punk rock “I’m so cool” stare,

More striking than your monologue.

A flashback to those teenage years – 

Rebellion seems a distant fog.

“Now listen…” And there’s not a sound,

Then the stylus hits the vinyl…

The record spins around and round,

Rebellion – punk revival.

 

“Birds Eye View” by Toni Newell

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Birds Eye View

Sitting on a branch up high,

In the Serengeti plain,

I spot a giraffe and her calf,

Crossing the dry terrain.

As a bird of prey,

They’re of little interest to me,

However, the calf looks hilarious,

He’s as funny as funny can be.

Galloping with an earnest face,

Long hair straight in the air,

I haven’t ever seen that before,

So, I thought I just might share.

 

“Choosing Shoes” by Pat Simmons

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Choosing Shoes

 

Gum boots when it’s raining

Sports shoes when I’m training

Sparkly shoes for dancing

Riding boots for prancing

Sandals for a summer’s day

High heeled shoes for dress up play

Then sadly comes that time of year

When Mum says, ‘Let’s go shopping dear.

Your feet keep growing, time to choose

A nice new pair of (yuk!) School Shoes.’

 

“At the dinosaur picnic” by Katherine Gallagher

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At the dinosaur picnic

 

Dandy dinosaurs dancing

Dreamy dinosaurs drinking

Dexterous dinosaurs dinking

Dainty dinosaurs dazzling

Devilish dinosaurs diving

Dozy dinosaurs dallying

Delicate dinosaurs dawdling