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.
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.
