A mother’s love is like a freshly picked bouquet; Full of life and colour, making everything okay. A mother’s love is like the brightest shining star; Lighting the way with warmth, even from afar. A mother’s love is like the best pages from a book; Guiding with truth and wisdom, as you take a fresh look. A mother’s love is like a lioness watching her cubs play; Defending and providing as you grow stronger every day. A mother’s love is like a moon beam full of gentle light; As her prayers of protection keep you safe at night. A mother’s love is celebrated on a special Sunday each year. Spend some time with Mum in May to show her that you care.
“I like the heat, freezing nights too, clear cloudless skies with stars blinking through. Grant me a wilderness so desolate and dry, that echoes in its silence for every passer-by.
“I’m not a fussy eater but know just where to look. I can eat the plants which make others really crook! My soft lips of velvet take thistle, thorn or prickle. I’ll nibble away without delay; their spikes barely tickle.
“For those who do believe my hump’s a jerrycan, I would like to share with you why that is not the plan. It’s how I store some fat to use when times are tough, for energy and water and if that’s not enough, I recycle vapour back along my nose; a clever way to sort and solve my water woes.
“My long and steady legs cut distance every stride; padded feet for trekking won’t split, sink or slide. No matter the terrain hills, rocks or sand, we can journey onward across the desert land.
“These eyes have luscious lashes, and my face shows a grin. I can shut my nostrils to stop sand from getting in! Strong, tough and hardy; they say we are all three. We’re made for desert life as I was meant to be.
“Now in modern times trekking ‘s still the same. I’m here among my Caravan and Carmel is my name. Relax to the rhythm of rock, roll and sway, all in line with my friends and we are on our way.”
Billy Joe was very angry And he had lots to say About Archer’s poor behaviour Happened almost every day. ‘You get us into trouble I always take the blame Trying to protect you And taking on the shame.’ ‘I’m sorry’ Archer barked ‘It’s just that I’m so young I need some stimulation And I need to have some fun’. ‘That’s all very well for you Do you ever consider me I constantly look after you Appreciation I never see. I think you’re very selfish If you’re really my best friend You’ll have to make an effort Put bad behaviour to an end’. ‘Well I can only try But there is no guarantee That I can do what you ask For my spirit it runs free. I want to be your best friend And behave accordingly I’ll do my very, very best You just wait and see’.
One week had passed And all was going fine Archer had behaved Which was a good sign. Billy Joe so happy He could hardly bark And Archer, angelic Didn’t leave his mark. ‘There you see’ barked Archer ‘I told you I would try I think I have succeeded Bad behaviour say goodbye’. Billy Joe was sceptical But he had to admit That Archer had improved He should get some credit. Now Billy Joe and Archer Will be friends for life The young lad now behaving Not causing any strife.
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.
Eyes open Wide and yellow Alert, cold Not warm and mellow. A piercing glance Looks through the night And guides its wings When it’s in flight. The hooting sound It often makes Stakes claim to space And calls for mates. White feathers smooth Around the eyes Resemble marbles In disguise. I look at it And wonder why It’s been described As being wise. The owl so regal On its perch Eyes wide open Of prey in search.
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.
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 