Before I wrote rhyming poems for children I wrote rhyming poems for parents (mothers mostly, being one myself). A UK website, The Bad Mothers Club, found my poems amusing and much to my joy published half a dozen on their site. Later I published my own blog (since now closed) and more recently my poems have appeared on the Parenting Express site.
So what am I getting at? I write of adults and children – big deal. My point, I guess is that actually what I write for most is for fun. Sometimes the poems will appeal more to children sometimes more to adults but always, no matter who my audience, my poems appeal to me. I think that writers, especially children’s writers carry with them that sense of fun that delights not only children but the child that’s in us all.
Just recently I was asked to write an article about why people like to write in rhyme. The overwhelming response was because it was fun. I found that discovery delightful and of course not at all surprising. So for those of you who like to write in rhyme for fun – here’s one I prepared earlier.
Growing Pains
They’re taking my bottle away
They say that I’m getting too old
“Your milk should be sup from a glass or a cup
And served straight from the fridge; icy cold”
They’re taking my blankey away
They say I’m not longer a pup
“You can’t smell a rose with a rag up your nose
Come along now it’s time to grow up”
They’re taking my nappies away
They say I should sit on the loo
“Just quit your complaining and get toilet training
It’s time that you flushed your own poo”
They’re taking my dummy away
They say that I look like a sook
“A smile should replace that old plug in your face
Stop your whining and go read a book”
They’ve taken my childhood away
As they sing, “Happy Birthday To Me”
They’ve made me a cake; took them hours to bake
With some candles to count; one, two, three…
That’d go down well in one of those parenting magazines, Jackie.