Three poems for my grandchildren

These three poems for children were first published in Verse-Virtual in January, 2019.

Learning to Walk.

- For my grandchildren.

Almost from when its life has begun

the baby antelope can gambol and run.

The same thing is true, of course,

of the very lovely baby horse.

The infant giraffe first kneels on its knees

then stands and runs with incredible ease.

A little monkey from a high, high branch

leaps out boldly without risk or chance.

A baby elephant weighs one tenth of a tonne

but soon walks beside its three tonne Mum.

The tiny elver, it would seem,

can very easily swim upstream.

All these babies can swim, stand or run

but humans don’t walk before they are one. 

For months they wave a leg or arm,

giggle, gurgle, cry and charm.

At four months they begin to roll,

alas! without very much control.

At eight months animals frolic without falling,

the very age when baby starts crawling.

Then she teeters, wobbles and finally stands.

Crack open the champers! Strike up the band!

Mum and Dad are proud and excited.

She, of course, is truly delighted

For what she sees beyond the door

is a thrilling world she must explore.

Yes, baby humans will walk at one.

Their grand adventure has begun.

Pets.

- For my grandchildren.

Some people have unusual pets-

a pig, a python, a fish or frog-

but none of them can ever compare

to the commonplace, marvellous dog.

You think she's dozing by the hearth

but she’s always got an eye on you.

She knows exactly how you’re feeling,

she knows exactly what to do.

When you are upset then she

will place her muzzle on your knee,

gaze at you with gentle eyes

and give you wonderful sympathy.

When you come home from school

her greeting makes a dull day bright.

Her ears go sleek, she'll bark with joy,

shake and wag in pure delight.

Can you take a python for a walk?

Is a frog a blind man’s guide?

Can a fish be taught to sit and stay?

Will a pig lie faithfully by your side?

For slithering snake the answer is no.

So too for fish, frog or grunting hog

but a friend and companion for all their short life

is the loving, loyal and wonderful dog.

The Plum Tree.

- For my grandchildren.

Look little ones,

the leaves have turned yellow,

the sky is pure blue,

the day mild and mellow.

Look little ones,

the tree is now bare,

there’s frost in the morning

and cold everywhere.

Look little ones,

there’s buds on the trees,

flowers are blossoming

and buzzing with bees.

Look little ones,

in this blossoming blooming

the cycle of life

is forever renewing.

   

”The Plum Tree”, by Brenda Creighton