Raindrops

We've had a little bit of rain lately.

And we've done a tiny bit of splashing.

This poem is best read while humming the tune to "My Favourite Things" 

from "The Sound of Music".

Raindrops

Raindrops are falling

and filling up puddles;

Cold wind is blowing-

we keep warm in huddles.

Gumboots are shiny and ready to go;

Smiles sparkling bright and big eyes all aglow!

Pitter and patter

dripping and dropping;

Toes tap the rhythm of

splishing and sploshing.

Drops falling faster – the tempo ascends;

Racing away with my hand in my friend’s-

Jumping, leaping!

Springing, bounding!

In a wet, puddly mess!

We laugh and squeal loudly- all speckled with mud;

This shower outside is the best!

Ten Treasures

Wherever we go, we find treasures.

Big and small.

S m o o t h  and rough.

Treasures we can take home and keep; others we leave in their place.

All of them valuable.

I wrote a treasure-hunting poem for my kids here. 

For the park or the backyard.

This one is for the beach.

There are ten things to find.

Some days you might find them all.

Others, just a few.

It encourages them to look...

Ten Treasures

I’m often very hot

if you walk in bare feet;

but down below I’m cool-

a relief from the heat.

I am … (sand)

I used to be a home

for creatures in the sea;

washed up by the waves,

I’m as pretty as can be.

I’m a … (shell)

You can see me in the sand

and follow me somewhere;

The impression I leave

tells which creature’s been there.

I am … (footprints)

I burrow in the sand,

protected from waves;

On eight legs I scuttle-

when I’m feeling brave!

I’m a … (crab)

I have five pointed arms

and colours vivid bright;

I’m often found in rock pools-

water warm and light.

I’m a … (sea star)

I’m round and very prickly,

purple, brown or black;

My mouth is on the bottom,

spines up on my back.

I’m a … (sea urchin)

I have  l o n g, thin blades

and floats shaped like beads;

My fronds wave in the water

and tickle your feet.

I am … (seaweed)

I come in all sizes

and have glittery scales;

I swim very fast

with a flash of my tail.

I’m a … (fish)

Made of just sand

I stand majestic and tall;

You can often find shells

lining every wall.

I’m a … (sandcastle)

I have bright red legs

and a matching red beak;

I like to swoop down

to see what you eat!

I’m a … (seagull)

How many can you find?

Waves

Deep water starts to ripple

far in the Indian blue

pushed by the wind’s own force

as faster speeds accrue.

The wall of water rises

and rounds off at the top;

from crest to trough is large-

one almighty drop!

Crashing on the shore

the water booms in fast,

swirling round our legs

the cold gives us a start!

Grinning while we splash

we laugh as weeds are flung;

hands held tight as salty spray

flies ‘round us as we run.

We feel it pulling back

as soft foam tickles feet;

reclaimed by deeper waters

the cycle is complete.

Sand Angels

The dunes extended upwards

almost brushing on the sky;

the sloping rippled hillside

signs of wind that races by.

Soft and fine the grains-

powdery to touch;

each tiny movement forward

s l o w  and delicate – not rushed.

Climbing to the top

footsteps weaving out a path;

steep incline led to flat-

a canvas for our art.

Her wings arced calmly upwards

as small arms smoothed the sand-

the gentle curving motion

from shoulders to little hands.

Legs and feet then followed suit-

tiny particles pushed away-

‘til on that plane white surface

a beautiful angel lay.

Peace In My Pocket

Just a little encouragement (for mums and dads) to go outside...

There is peace in my pocket-

it smells of morning air-

of sunbeams pointing upwards,

light shining everywhere.

There is peace in my pocket-

crisp freshness like the breeze-

invigorating newness,

unveiled for all to see.

There is peace in my pocket-

as shiny as the rain-

sparkles springing off the puddles,

a sopping wet terrain.

There is peace in my pocket-

it sounds like howling wind-

a heavenly, rattling opera

nature's orchestrated din.

There is peace in my pocket-

though sometimes I forget-

tempestuous storms surround me,

a heavy blanket-

yet…

Once the door is open

the outside comes right in-

it’s then that I remember

the peace I keep within.