POEMS ON THEME OF 'HAPPINESS', FROM ST BARTHOLOMEW'S PRIMARY, LEWISHAM

I was honoured when Daniel Meyer, Assistant Head at St Bartholomew's Primary School in Lewisham, London, recently got in touch with me to ask if I would edit a poetry anthology that the school were putting together during lockdown. The theme of the anthology is 'Happiness', and it was such a joy to read a whole litany of poems which interpreted the theme with such variety and vivacity. I would like to share on my blog a selection of fantastic poems. These poems are not necessarily 'the best' (whatever that means); they are simply poems that captured my thoughts as I was reading through the two hundred or so poems that I was sent. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did, and I'm sure you'll agree that the young poets should be very proud of themselves!

Hazel’s Happiness by Hazel, Reception

Mummy-cuddling

Unicorn-drawing

Football-kicking

Den-making

Daddy-climbing 

Rainbow-experimenting

Toy-bossing

Toenail-painting

Gingerbread-baking

Gramms-storytelling

Duvet-snuggling

Dream-remembering

Rainbow By Xanthe Yr 5

Your eyes are like woods,

woods that I get lost in

every time I look into them.

they make me feel lost and curious.

I dare to walk into them every time.

Your smile, even the sun

can’t stand that glisten. 

You make me feel wanted.

You are at the end

of my rainbow.

What Makes Me Happy? By Elsie Yr 3

When I am painting it makes me happy

I enjoy the moment

I can hear the paintbrush on the paper

Swishing, swirling, twirling and curling

I see the paintbrush therapeutically going on the page

Making a beautiful artwork of paint.

Sometimes I get frustrated, but I persevere

When I’m painting I’m happy,

I don’t paint it when I’m sad,

I paint at the right moment

When the frustration is over and I’m finished,

I’m really proud and glad I persevered.

Don’t be afraid to show your emotions 

Art is always there for you and you will always cherish it.

It’s a moment in this crazy time, 

that will always be in your memory box

You’ll never forget - it’s one of those special moments

that will never die                                                         

When I am finished I am ever so proud,

it makes me joyful and happy.

The Strawberry Bigger Than The Sun by Elias, Reception

I am thinking of a strawberry bigger than the sun

Do you think eating this would be fun?

It will fill my tummy and yours

And yours and yours

And yours

If you bite into it

It will splash you not a bit

But a lot

And all of its seed

Will feed

A lot

Let’s all think of a strawberry bigger than the sun

If we all think really hard maybe it will come?

A Cartwheel By Emily Yr 5

Put your hands down and spin around
Feel like you’re never going to touch the ground
Feet on the floor without a sound
What makes me happy?
A cartwheel.

They give you a wonderful feeling
Though your hands may start to ache
But they will get on with the healing
And you can do more when you awake.
What makes me happy?
A cartwheel.

I like to do them in a line
I should feel dizzy
but I feel fine.
What makes me happy?
A cartwheel.

Fire By Theodore Yr 2

Burning fire – Flaming hot;

Smoking up the chimney pot,

Warming up the coldest days,

The red and yellow sparks ablaze.

Barbeque – Juicy smells rise,

I lick my lips and await the surprise;

Marshmallows toasted – OUCH! my mouth burns,

But I still want another – for sugar I yearn.

Candles on cakes glow as I blow;

Happy Birthday! They cheer,

as sparkles fly near;

But beware! My dear children - there’s

one thing we know;

FIRE!  Can burn us – if given the chance,

Stand back, be careful, don’t play near the flames,

It’s lovely to look at – but cannot be tamed.