This is the first time I have posted poems by children on Poetry Shelf. I post a monthly poem challenge on Poetry Box for children from Year 0 to Year 8. I pick some favourites to post and give some books away. For my last challenge for 2023 I invited children to write Earth poems – poems that celebrate what they love about Earth but that might also speak about a world under threat.

I commissioned three terrific young artists to do illustrations for it and for my wrap-up post for the year (Postcards 2023). Oscar and Max, both aged 12, have sent in magnificent artwork for the posts (Earth poems up next week and Postcards 2023 the week after) … but they also wrote their own Earth poems.

I felt so moved to read these, to be transported to their rural scenes, to find infectious joy in family life, and to be aware of the tough world challenges from war to hunger to climate change. I felt so moved that these two young writers offer hope in a time when we crave it. This is what poetry can do.

Hope

White flowers bloom in summer wind.
A quiet hum blows throughout a different kind of kin.
A breeze, a gale? Another kind of hail, or just a veil?
From where we are, the plants will grow, cats and birds live in tow.
Summer days and summer laughs, for most of us good times are free, but
for some just putting food on the table is a hefty fee.
Life isn’t all bad though, the sun shines and people grow, good triumphs
over evil and…I hope happiness will show.

Yet! … On the other side of the world, people fight, bombs blow up,
children have to wonder if they’ll see another night.
Wars fuelled by hate, racism, and enemies of the state.
But don’t just sit there, don’t just mope, don’t just blame the person in power.
For we’re the ones who let them devour.
So act… Don’t let people fight, don’t let the world end tonight!
Climate change is round the bend. Our world’s beautiful don’t wait till the end!

But, what can this poem do?
I’m just me, and you’re just you.

Yet, I have a hope of a world of peace and prosperity, free of the fear
and hate that could and can be our fate. Racism and stereotypes fade away.
And while the future seems to be paved in an endless sea of darkness
and doom for you and me.
I hope that my vision will come true,

And you’ll see where happiness can be.

Oscar Davis

Oscar Davis is aged 12 and in Year 7, Mission Heights Junior College. He likes drawing, reading, being out on the farm with all the birds and the animals. And he love being with his cat, Meeno. His favourite thing about 2023 has been drawing.

I am from ….

I am from a big old home
With lush valleys all around.
Far as the eye can see.
Fences piercing up the land.
Creatures and trees in every crevice.

I am from the country with long white clouds overhead.
Sandy hot beaches everywhere you look.
A distinct culture like no other.
Enormous forests everywhere, glistening with animals.

I am from an amazing place with loving people all around.
Aunties, uncles, cousins, grandpas, grandmas
crazy, cool, amazing, funny, enjoyable.
Endless laughter all around.
The best family around because it’s mine.

I am from an endless banquet of delicious food.
A sea of exquisite food for me to devour.
A flavour explosion happening in my mouth.
It is always the best when it’s Mum’s home cooking.

Max Davis

MAX, is aged 12, and in Year 7 at Mission Heights Junior College. He likes drawing, thinking of stories to write, hanging out with his friends, having adventures on the farm with his pet cat, Meeno. His favourite thing about 2023 has been listening to creepy and spooky stories.