Welcome

This is my playground for poetry written for children with ideas and inspiration for writing your own poems. Come on in. Sit for a spell, have a cup of words to swirl around and make your own cup of poetry. I'm so glad you are here. I hope you'll find the Kingdom of Poetry a fun place to be.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year

Midnight,
Horns blare.
Fireworks flare.
Bells ring.
Glass flutes ting.
Confetti flies.
The old year dies.
2012 is finally here.
May it be a year of cheer.
May your days be blessed
with creativity and happiness.
May your riches abound
as elegant rhymes are found.
May you find much inspiration
and be rewarded with publication.
Happy 2012.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Haiga Heliconia

Heliconia
colored claws reach to the sky
tropical perfume

     I'm definitely having fun playing with my water colors on this vacation.  This poem is a haiga.  Haiga is when art and haiku are combined.  When haiku is interspersed with prose, then it is called haibun.   I always think it is fun when I can supply a picture to go with my poem.  Do you have a picture you'd like to write a poem to go with?  What ever you do, have fun following your bliss.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Haiga Bird of Paradise



Bird of Paradise
flying on an island breeze
singing Aloha


     Part of the fun of being on a Hawaiian island is seeing all the colorful flowers and having the time to appreciate them.  Can you name your favorite flower?  Can you write a poem about it?  This is a haiku.  If you get stuck you could try an acrostic, or a list poem.  Have fun and enjoy the time.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Public Toilets

"Boinga, boinga, boinga,"
said Marie Spears
placing her hands
over her ears.

"That toilet flush,
makes too much noise.
I wonder if
it is as loud
in the BOYS."

     This poem is the result of seeing a little girl in the Ladies restroom.  I'm not sure what this poem means, except that girls are curious about what the boys' bathroom looks like.  And of course, the new low water flush toilets are very noisy.  Personally, I never thought I'd write a poem about public restrooms--but there you go. Anything is fair game when writing poetry.  And I do like saying "boinga, boinga, boinga."  Can you write your own poem that uses a nonsense word?  Have fun.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Tropical Christmas


Crested waves
of lacy
white foam,


Palm trees
bend,
sway
in a tropical breeze


In the silence,
a
p-l-o-p
of coconut
dropping to the sand.


A seagull cries.
following the
Oh Holy Night
this is
the blessing day.


Where the
sun smiles, Aloha
and
Mele Kalikimaka!


     I hope you had a great Christmas and a super Boxing Day.  Today's challenge is to write a poem that describes what the landscape looks like where you are.  Can you hear any birds?  What do you think Christmas was like for the birds?  Have fun enjoying a few moments of silence and a chance to appreciate the place where you are.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Happy Boxing Day

Today is the day
to say thank you
to all the folks
who worked
yesterday,
so that you
could have a 
Merry Christmas--
the gas station attendant,
the quickie mart worker,
the movie theater attendant,
the Disneyland, Epcot, Disney World folks
The Knox Berry Farm, Sea World workers,
the cruise ship staff,
the restaurant workers,
the maids and butlers,
the house cleaners,
and hotel workers,
the doctors, nurses,
firemen, and emergency care workers.
When you make your list
there were a lot of people who
had to work yesterday.
Today is a day to give thanks
and to appreciate their work.
What can you do
to make this a brighter day
for all those who worked
for you yesterday?
What can you do
to make this a
Happy Boxing Day.

     Today, can you write a poem to celebrate and thank one of the many folks who worked yesterday?  I hope you are keeping the holiday spirit.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Mele Kalikimaka

is how 
to say
Merry Christmas
in Hawaiian.

I hope your day
is filled with
joy, aloha,
happiness,
and family.

     Does your family have special things you do for Christmas?  What was the best gift you got?  What was the best gift you gave?  Do you know another way to say Merry Christmas?  Can you write a poem today?

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve

If you look 
at the sky tonight,
You may see
a magical sight.
There the North Star
is shining so bright
to guide Santa, his sleigh
and the reindeer in flight.
On the roof tops
they alight.
So Santa can squeeze
down the chimneys tight
and deliver gifts
all through the night
for children who have been good
to give them delight.
When the children awake
their smiles are bright.
I hope you have a
Happy Christmas Eve Night.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.

    WOW!  I think I did it, a whole month's worth of Christmas themed poems.  Can you try writing a list poem about all the great things about the holiday season.  At the top of my list would be you.  Thank you for reading my poems and for all your support.

Friday, December 23, 2011

I'm interviewed

www.kidsmartbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/poetry-for-soul.html 

There are 2 of my poems over at Kid Smart Books. Toni McKain has illustrated DOCTOR, DOCTOR and BLUE CANOE with her clever drawings.  I love the picture of a magpie with a peg leg!  There is also an interview there too.  Have fun checking it out.

Let's Go Caroling

Tonight
is a night
for caroling,
to gather
with friends
for a Christmas
sing.

We
will sing
with gladness
and cheer
and think
of having a
Happy New Year.

We will chant
for our friends
with the warmth
and laughter
the season
sends.

We will sing
with a smile
enjoying
our caroling
all the while.

Merry Christmas
to you
on this winter
night.
May all your songs
be filled
with delight.

     If you were going to write your own Christmas carol to sing to your friends, what words would you use?  Have fun writing that poem.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A Day of Wonder

Today
is
a day
of
wonder.

I
awoke
with a
star
in my 
hand.


     What would you do if you woke up and you had a star in your hand?  What would you do with it?  Where else might you find a star?  Or, what else might you find in your hand when you wake up?  Oh, I think this could make for an interesting poem.  Please share your poem with us.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas Cracker

Sitting at my place
for Christmas dinner
is a Christmas cracker.

My sister holds one end,
I hold the other,
we both pull.

A loud P*O*P
and confetti strings
fly everywhere.

Inside is a funny 
purple paper hat
that I put on.

A paper fortune
that says I'm going
to come into money.

And a little metal
toy that makes a noise
like a cricket.  

My sister's cracker
has a pink hat
and her fortune says
she has much treasure
in her friends.

Her toy is two metal
nails that are twisted together
and she has to figure
how to separate them.

Everyone at the table
looks a little silly
with our paper crowns
and funny fortunes
and our little toys.

Christmas is
a very special 
time of year.

      Just when I was starting to slow down on ideas for Christmas poems, a friend wrote a note that reminded me of the Christmas my family spent in Oxford and all the British things we did for the holiday, like having crackers and going to the Christmas panto at a local theatre. I shouldn't forget Boxing Day either.  Oh, this is fun.  So can you write a poem about the holiday in a different culture of climate?   

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Ocean Christmas

If you are diving
deep in the sea,
dolphins have gathered
kelp for a tree.

Sand dollars and sea stars
for your enjoyment
hang on the kelp
like a Christmas ornament.

They are all there
deep in the ocean vast,
to wish each other
a Merry Christmas.

    Some funny rhymes today.  I'm not sure how well enjoyment rhymes with ornament.  And  certainly pairing vast with Christmas is a stretch and a slip rhyme.  But that only means this isn't a perfect poem and it is one I can come back and play with at a later date.  Oh, I do love when I can come back and play with my poems more than once.  What good fun.  So for today can you take one of your favorite old poems and visit with it again? Are there words you would change?  have fun revising.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Camel Races

Now imagine
the wonder
of these three guys--
Kings,
like old golf buddies,
out riding their camels
in the desert.

They see a bright star.
"What do you think that is?"
asks one king.
"Probably the opening
for a new camel dealership,"
says the second king.

"Come on," says the third.
"Let's go see," says the second.
"Last one there," they all say together,
"Is a rotten egg."

     Today's poem reminds me that I haven't written a Christmas poem about egg nog yet.  Perhaps you'd like to help me do that.  I actually had French toast that my husband made with egg nog just the other day.  Oh was it yummy.  I'm so lucky  my husband loves to cook.  I hope you have lots of occasions to laugh today.  Have fun writing poetry.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Nativity

Think of the young couple
traveling to Bethlehem
to pay their taxes.
No fax machine for on-line payment.
No Priceline, Expedia, or Travelocity
to book their room ahead.
How did they manage?

She, nine months pregnant,
her belly big, round.
The baby rode low on her hips,
kicked all day.

She astride the donkey
and her husband walked beside.
What do you think they talked about
as they walked that whole day?

Did they sing,
tell jokes,
talk of their plans
for the baby?

     As the holiday (holy day) comes closer, today is a day for reflecting, thinking and for breathing.  Make a list today of all the things you are thankful for.  It really is a wonderful time to be alive.  A wonderful time to live the Christmas spirit.  You're welcome to write a poem about that.
     I hope you enjoy this beautiful day.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas Surprise

Early Christmas morning
I creeped down the stairs
happy to discover
Father Christmas had been there.

Hanging from the fire place,
peeking out of my stocking
was a little kitten
who started mewing.

She was soft and white
and began to purr
Just what I had wanted,
I love this bundle of fur.

     I was always a sucker for those pictures with the puppies and kittens hanging in the Christmas stockings.  As a kid, it was exactly what I wanted to wake up to on christmas morning.  As an adult, I know it isn't practical.  But, how did they get those kittens and puppies to stay in the stockings?  Do you have a pet?  Can you write a poem about what your pet is going to do for Christmas?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Christmas Candles


The candles burn so brightly.
they flicker in the light,
casting dancing shadows
on this winter night.

     Have you ever watched the changing shadows on the wall from a candle?  Have you used your hands to make shadow puppets from that light?  My house smells like pine and peppermint from the scented candles I burn at this time of the year.  can you try writing your own poem about candles?   Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I make this quatrain into a concrete poem instead?  Could I put one or two words on a line to make it tall and slim like a candle?  Which way do you think you'd like better?  See how much fun you can have playing with poetry?

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas Dolly

I am the wrapped doll
hidden under the tree
Won't you please hurry
to come and find me.

My hair is blond,
my eyes are blue.
I'm in this box
waiting for you.

I'm dressed in a ball gown 
for a party
a tiara on my head.
Will you promise
to always love me,
and take me with you
when you go to bed?

Can you tell me
what you will name me--
Robyn, Donna, Jeanne,
Linda Sue or Mamie?

Please hurry and find me.
Let us dance.  Let us twirl.
I'm looking forward to meeting
my own special girl. (or boy)

     Are you starting to feel the Christmas spirit?  I certainly am.  Today's poem is written for Linda, who suggested this poem--one written in the persona of a Christmas present, from the toy's point of view.  Today's challenge is to write a poem from the point of view of the toy.  What would a sled say?  I'm thinking the yo-yo would have quite a story to tell.  How about that drum, or even the angel on top of the tree?  Can you tell their stories?  Please share your poems.  Happy holidays

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Candy

I told you red and white were the colors of Christmas for me.  I especially like peppermints at this time of year.


Peppermint candy,
makes my mouth sparkle with spice.
They're called starlight mints.


     All right, now it is your turn to write a poem about all the different kinds of candy you like to eat at this time of year.  What candy ends up in your stocking?  Using peppermints makes a great writing exercise because it has a wonderful smell, the wrapper makes an enticing sound as you unwrap it.  There is both texture and taste that change as the candy melts on your tongue or crunches into smaller pieces.  I hope you have a peppermint to eat while you write your poem.  Do I need to say enjoy?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

FALLING SNOW FLAKES

 Today's poem is another concrete poem and I couldn't quite figure out how to do it in text.  I have one other idea, but that is going to take some time, so you get it this way for now.  I hope you have falling snow for this holiday.  Can you write your own poem about snow? If you put the poem on a piece of paper like I did, you can use it for wrapping paper for gifts.