There are games and pranks and jokes and larks. There are funny looks and odd remarks, comical lines and witty asides. It’s always good to see the funny side.
A giggle, a snicker, a hoot, a guffaw – these are the sounds we enjoy and applaud. We fall about laughing; we roll in the aisle. We double up, chortle, snigger and smile.
So, here’s to laughter; here’s to fun, to witticisms, gags, jests and puns. When things look grey and not too bright, we can always look for the funny side.
Like ballerinas on blue ice those skaters glide and pirouette in perfect dance and balance – yet to know skate’s science would be nice. Don’t blunder with confusions such as “ice melts under pressure”. We’ve found a better measure which explains why skaters slide so much. From nought to minus two-hundred (°C) a Quasi-Liquid Layer is found on any water-ice around. The thinnest, smoothest, slippery-spread! Friction makes our fingers grip. We’ll hold a biscuit with control while ice-cubes fumble, drop and roll because of crazy quasi-slip.
Tossing and turning, rolling around Tomorrow’s worries on my mind Reading my book then lights out Silent prayers thought about Pulling up covers Snuggly and warm Relaxing Dreamy Sleep
I climb the stairs and zip down the slide, I’m racing round the playground. Hanging from bars and jumping on rocks, laughing so loud on the merry-go-round. And when I get my turn on the swing, I’ll never get off, not ever. Not even if you promise me cake, I’m going to swing forever!
Interviewer: “Where nature takes its toll the ground is cracked and dry, folks are found far and few; one need not wonder why. In this wild wilderness some creatures won’t survive. Today I have a special guest who’s very much alive”. Interviewer: “Thank you Miss Tamara for taking time to talk. I see your busy tongue complete with fancy fork.” Miss Tamara: “Oh, it’s such a marvel which serves me very well. When I flick it as you see that’s how snakes can smell. There’s lots of different scents I need to know about; a nifty piece of kit I couldn’t do without. As for my fancy fork so worthy of attention, it helps me find my food and works in three-dimension!” Interviewer: “It gets so very hot and cold in winter too. How do you survive out here and stay as good as new?”
Miss Tamara: “I hunt before the heat becomes too much to bear, then I seek some shade a quiet, comfy lair. Lots of cracks and burrows have holes so cool and deep. They shield me from the sun and make a place to sleep
Come winter, I turn dark and bask in sun by day. Come summer, I turn light so heat reflects away”. Interviewer: “There’s little here to eat and if that’s the case, where’s your favourite food in such a lonely place?” Miss Tamara: “I can trace a scent when I poke around, checking holes and burrows where native rats are found. I know just where to look, where a rat should be and if I’m very clever there’s one for lunch or tea!” Interviewer: “What about the venom? There’s been a lot of hype about its lethal strength, with serpents of your type.” Miss Tamara: “I am totally toxic as Inland Taipans are. Way above the scale most potent snake by far! But I’d like to add a word in my defence. I am awfully shy and have a lot of sense.“
Interviewer: “We’ve had a lovely chat, so far from anywhere. Perhaps a parting thought that you’d like to share?” Miss Tamara: “I’d rather slip away to hide and dodge a fight but if I’m teased or stirred
I will react and bite. I’m not to be upset. Do not torment or touch. Just leave me on my way and thank you very much!” Interviewer: “Without another word she quickly slides away, blending into wilderness to face what comes her way. The deadliest of snakes but calm and very measured. My talk with Miss Tamara is something to be treasured.”
Australian Children’s Poetry 