Writing Poems About Children

Poems about children can be written to speak from a child's perspective or can be written about childhood experiences to convey strong messages.

Poetry is a great art-form to express feelings about nature, people, life, inanimate objects and the world as a whole. Writing poems about children is a great way to reminisce about childhood or to convey a message from a child's perspective. The message may not always be positive as sometimes it becomes necessary for an important message which has negative undertones to be shared.

Compose the Poem for the Intended Audience

Writing for the intended audience is very important regardless of the topic or type of writing. While a poem may be written about children, the poem can be catered for children to read or for adults.

• Poems written for children: If the poem is written to be shared with children, then be mindful of the message being conveyed. Avoid any inappropriate words and very unpleasant references. Simple words with a simple tone can bring across the inspiration. Keep a simple rhyme scheme especially if the poem is to be performed for children. An example of lines could be "A pretty red ribbon/ sits in Diane's hair/ her happiness is shown/in the colors she wears"
• Poems for adult readers: While any theme can be written to be shared with an adult audience, be mindful of religion, gender and other topics that can cause discomfort of controversy. This can affect book sales and requested performances at schools, churches and events.

Poems from a Child's Perspective

Writing from another perspective entails some brainstorming and creative thought. Think of how active and lucid a child's imagination is. Write using colors, vivid scenes and simple words and phrases. Also, write in the first person. Although the message may have negative undertones such as child abuse, it is important to keep the message coming from a child's viewpoint. An example is: "I don't know why you hit me I was a good boy I didn't mean to break the toy".

Poems about Childhood Experiences

Poems about children can speak in any voice about childhood events. Again, tailoring the writing for audience is very important. These types of poems if written for an adult audience can share messages about divorce, abuse, assault and any other vice. Regardless of the speaker, "I, you or she", be sure to convey the poem with an imaginative flair and with vivid description. Be creative by using imagery and vivid descriptions. An example is: "You have grown. You have elapsed from the angel that everyone believed that you were. From sleeping in the den and then tasting the jams and jellies - licking your fingers as you run and hide".

Composing poems about children requires innovation and creativity because the writing can bring back memories of childhood experiences. However, while some childhood experiences may be negative, the message should still be shared because it may impact positively on the readers. Write for the audience and incorporate writing that appeals to the senses so that the readers or listeners can understand the poem.