A Rainy Walk

Boots pulled up high

coats buttoned tight

we set off down the road

while rain fell in light showers

and gutter rivers flowed

Balancing, arms stretched out  w i d e

we walked along the bank

toes skimming puddle edges

deep water at our flank

"Watch out!" I cried

"Go slowly now!

We can't fall in the river!"

The unseen heads of crocodiles

a danger where they loiter

We tip toe past

and tip toe on

further down the bank

watching ripples forming

as tiny pebbles sank

I stop just there and take his hand

unsure of seas ahead

knowing that those sneaky crocs

could leap just where we tread

We tip toe past

and tip toe on

his hand held tight in mine

as long as we're together

I'm sure we'll be just fine

We tip toe past

and tip toe on

'til quietly we stop

crouching near the puddle

peering through each drop

watching very carefully

staring at that spot

that spot just on the surface

where bubbles seemed to pop

And suddenly it leapt right up

and launched out of the puddle!

teeth gnashing fast

in snapping jaws

towards our screaming huddle!

I grabbed his hand

held extra tight

and ran on down the bank

away from crocodile danger

away from - then it yanked!

His boot stuck in the puddle

his socked foot wet and cold

the croc had knocked his shoe off!

I squeezed him, feeling bold

"Don't worry - I'll go get it!

I'm not scared of that croc!

And if he tries to eat me,

I'll throw this great big rock!"

And so I tip toed back now

to get that little boot

and once I'd fished it out

we left that fearsome brute!

The Water Cycle

Some dances last forever

cycling through the moves

it’s how Earth keeps a constant

a nature-driven groove.

Hip-hopping on the surface

water droplets bounce

jiving to the Sun’s beat

‘til suddenly they jounce-

evaporation.

Water vapour waltzes

swirling in the air

carried on the current

over here to over there.

Colliding with each other

the molecules take hands

a cloudy cabaret

cool atmospheric bands-

condensation.

Left feet are taking over

clouds clash with gentle bumps

the molecules a mosh pit

unlucky ones are dumped-

precipitation.

Rain can fall in buckets

snow can fall in heaps

runoff into rivers,

through valleys,

into seas-

Dancing on forever

waving to the skies

sun sparkling like a disco ball
drawing them up high.

Trees

My kids ask a lot of questions.

They like to know how we are connected to everything.

This is about part of our relationship with trees.

(We obviously say "thank you" to the trees too!)

Leaves at the top

dancing in green-

emerald and jade

shades can be seen

Facing the sun

they soak up its rays

making the most

of bright sunny days

The sunlight they seek

is magic, you see-

for without it,

no food can be made for the tree!

The air we breathe out

and the rain that seeps through

mix together with light

to make something new-

A sugar called glucose

which is used by the tree

to keep growing taller

(this needs energy!)

And when this is made

we get something too-

fresh oxygen to breathe-

as each tree says “thank you”.

Puddles

I love to jump in puddles-

big splashes flying ‘round

as raindrops falling from the sky

are dancing on the ground.

I love to jump in puddles

in gumboots shiny new-

splats and splotches leaping up

to decorate my shoes.

I love to jump in puddles-

running with a leap!

And landing “splosh!”with two feet flat

in the messy, mucky deep.

I love to jump in puddles-

it always makes me laugh!

We slip and slide on wet slick paths

‘til we fall upon the grass.

I love to jump in puddles-

squeals dancing in the air;

wind whipping past as currents move

and tango with my hair.

I love to jump in puddles-

You know why this is true?

‘cos when it rains, I catch your hand

and you come jumping too!

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!