“I Hope…..” by Jeyan, aged 8

(available to listen to in episode 76)

We are now stuck in this COVID situation,
and Online is our education.
I hope our classes are back to physical.
If it comes true, I’d rather giggle.

We are now stuck in this COVID situation.
Not getting to meet our friends.
I hope this situation will be controlled.
If it comes true, I’d rather be bold.

We are now stuck in this COVID situation.
Not getting to go outside.
I hope we were now playing on a see- saw.
If it comes true, I’d rather say awe!

We are now stuck in this COVID situation.
People have lost their basic needs.
I hope I can do them good deeds.
If it comes true, I’d rather in joy play with beads.

We are now stuck in this COVID situation.
Many people have lost their lives.
I hope this situation to an end dives.
If it comes true, I’d rather give high-fives.

I hope all my wishes happen.
If it comes true, I’d rather sing a canon.

“War And Hope” by Ananya, aged 8

(available to listen to in episode 70)

War and hope
are opposites.
But don’t sit and mope,
for even in war, there’s hope
in the fight to death
(for some).
Make peace instead!
Joy will soar in the air,
and glide.
For once more, peace and
hope have married:
hope is groom;
peace is bride.
During war,
skies are gray.
But in peace reign,
there are sunny skies from May.
Don’t cry.
Don’t mope.
For everywhere,
every time,
there is hope, hope, and hope.
Of hope, we are fond.
With hope, we have a bond.
When the skies are gray,
try to make them clear,
like those of May.
Don’t mope.
For even in war,
there is hope.
Grand hope.

“Dreams Of Well-Being” by Líle, aged 8

(available to listen to in episode 84)

When all through the night the
Entire village is filled with sadness,
Love flows through the air and
Love flows through you
But I will always be with you
Entering the skies of Heaven
In what way will you help someone be them-self?
Nobody is like you
Gold is shining just like you.

“My Hope And Dream” by Sahana, aged 8

(available to listen to in episode 76)

My Father hopes and dreams that I become a DOCTOR.
My Mother hopes and dreams that I become a BANKER.
My Sister hopes and dreams that I become an ASTRONAUT.
My Grandparents hopes and dreams that I become an ENGINEER.
Alas, is there anyone who cares and wants to hear my dream?
I hope, dream and believe I will one day become an ARTIST.
Oh Mind, take me THERE.

“My World, My Dream” by Achyut, aged 7

(available to listen to in episode 73)

One day I followed my dream,
traveled around the world in gleam.

On Monday, I flew to Australia,
charmed by the Great Barrier Reef.

On Tuesday, I drove to Japan,
thrilled by a Samurai.

On Wednesday, I rode to India,
fascinated to ride on trams

On Thursday, I went to Maldives,
gazed at the coral reefs.

On Friday, I swam to Madagascar,
played with friendly fossa

On Saturday, I headed to Brazil,
had a feast with Amazon Tribes.

On Sunday, I launched to space,
mesmerized by earth's trace.

“My Hope” by Chanelie, aged 6

(available to listen to in episode 70)

Trees are crying.
Animals are dying.
People are cutting
trees for nothing

Tik, tok, tik, tok.
Time is passing.
No rain.
More pain.

Hope to see
a green Earth.
Plant trees
is worth.

“Highest Self” by Ava, aged 8

(available to listen to in episode 84)

Highest Self there when I feel down.
Highest Self there when I feel alone.
Highest Self there when I feel lost.
Highest Self there when I feel like nothing's going to work out.

Highest Self there whenever I need it.

Sunlight world, sunlight earth.
Everything the sunlight touches, I put my heart against.
Feeling the wavy wind in my soul,
I know I'm home.

“Butterflies” by Isabelle, aged 5

(available to listen to in episode 84)

For me, the future is butterflies because I think of butterflies in the Summer.
First, they live in an egg, then they turn into a caterpillar.
Then, they live in a cocoon, and then they come out as a butterfly.
They are lovely, any colour.
They are so colourful, sometimes stripy!
I like looking at them in the Summer, and they make me happy.
If you are very quiet, you can nearly hear them talking.
The future is for everyone.

“A Blackbird Sat A-Peeping” by Clarissa, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 81)

A blackbird sat a-peeping,
upon a window ledge.
He built a nest from sticks,
hidden in a bare branched hedge.

I hope that little blackbird,
will have a nest of eggs.
I’ll give him all my hope,
and the crumbs for which he begs.

A robin flew a-singing,
under a sun so bright.
He will keep on singing,
‘til he goes to bed at night.

I dream about that robin,
who’ll sing and fly for me.
I’ll give him all my love,
for love gives us life, you see.

A blue tit perched a-tweeting,
from an evergreen bay.
He’s calling for a mate.
Love’s pure light will guide the way.

I desire a mate in life,
to cherish and to love.
I won’t forget the birds,
who watch me from up above.

“Dreams” by Amogh, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 78)

They come to us
from far away.

No one knows
from where.

They spark
imagination.

They can be based on hope,
desire, and longing.

They can also be the
starters of illusion.

They help
us overcome.

They represent
much more than a lot.

They give us
satisfaction.

They inspire us
to work hard.

Not only dream big but set
your heart to achieve those dreams...

“Lockdown Wish” by Siyana, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 84)

It started off as wish to break away from the desks, tasks and challenges at school.
But then came the lonely days, filled with nothingness, oh what a fool.
We clapped for the NHS and painted bright rainbows, to put on the window for all of us to share.
We wished for the loneliness to end.
We wished for the hearts to mend .
We wished for the lockdown to end.
The time will come and hope we must have, that we will walk carefree, aimlessly, and openly for we know they all care.
We look to the future and wish that it will get better, for time heals all, oh so I’ve been told,
This lockdown will end, that I am sure, loved ones we have lost will be deep in our hearts, for we must go on and our lives must be consoled.

“Hopes & Dreams” by Miles, aged 9

(available to listen to in episode 84)

My dream is to travel and explore.
Visit new and big cities.
Go to other countries.
Meet people that I like and more.

My dream is to hop in the car and go.
Drive East or West.
Drive North or South.
See rivers, lakes, fields and mountains topped with snow.

My dream is to travel a lot,
and to travel all over the world.
I want to travel by boats, trains, aeroplanes,
buses, bikes, and cars.
Hey! Maybe I can even travel by rocket and go to check out Mars?!!

Yes! My dream is to travel everyday.
To see the world and learn new things my way.
I will be happy and curious wherever I go,
and I hope to be lucky and hear my name and poem on the Kids Poetry Club show.

“Oh, What A Life” by Maya, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 70)

Birthday is here,
but so is COVID.
School is open,
but COVID isn't closed.
Thanksgiving is upon us,
but COVID is drawn to us.
Leaves are falling,
but COVID numbers are rising.
Life is short,
but COVID is long.
There are still a few leaves on the trees,
so keep a little hope on the table.

“Goodbye Kiss” by Tiera, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 81)

Surfers glide there last,
for it’s the end of the peachy day.
Sand castles
crumble in bitter ocean air.
The towels start folding.
Sweet to say goodnight.
And while you’re on the beach edge,
you wave and kiss goodbye.
The tide softly starts to blush.
The sand is amazed and admires you,
and sticks to your ankle.
The seashells
are very sharp,
but the sand protects you
with all its heart.
For it is amazed,
as you said goodbye.

“Oh, Robin Red Breast” by Mary, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 81)

Oh, Robin Red Breast,
you are so small.
“Yes little girl, but I have a big heart,”
Oh, Robin Red Breast, why is your heart so big?
“Oh, little girl, because I have a family a wife and some chicks. Three actually.”
Oh, Robin Red Breast, why do you hang around?
“Because, little girl, there is food, water, everything we need here.”
Oh Robin Red Breast, you are so small.
“Yes, little girl, but I have a lot of love to give.”

“A Real Poem” by Lucia, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 76)

A real poem uses alliteration,
something that the reader finds with no hesitation.
A real poem uses onomatopoeia like bark, bark,
or imagery like a camel in the dark.
A real poem uses personification,
and the only limit is imagination.
A real poem is tasty like apples, and true.
A real poem gives happiness to people like you.
A real poem uses rhyming, or it is free verse.
A real poem might be about a nice nurse.
A real poem has similes, and metaphors, too.
A real poem gives happiness to people like you.
A real poem uses slick, quick repetition.
A real poem has no real competition.
A real poem doesn’t have to mean a thing.
A real poem can be short, and kind of long too.
A real poem gives happiness to people like you.
This is a real poem.

“Why I’d Like To Go To Space” by Salawe, aged 9

(available to listen to in episode 70)

Space has all kinds of things but me, so where am I meant to be?
I'm not a mopper, dishwasher or dancer.
A sweeper, rapper or prancer.
Just a girl who wants to be in space.
Will I have to take a race?

Where is space? Where is me? Am I standing behind a tree?
Astronauts go and prance, while I can't even dance.
Bury me in the soot from the blazing fire
while I'm not in the suit where their dancing higher.

Fire booms blazing blast will the rocket go any higher?
Metal saws burning glass, I just think I'll pass.

STEM degrees and hives of bees
will I need to pass because I've already got a little vase.
Study hard. Don't be late. Only 9 more years to go.
So, hurry up, don't be shy. Time to eat your mince pie.

The world and my family can't wait until I shine.
Me, Salawe, who is 9, can't wait for it to be mine.
Metting Chris Hadfield and Tim Peake will be a divine.

So NASA and ESA, this is my time to break about
WHY I'D LIKE TO GO TO SPACE!

“Hopes & Dreams” by Emma, aged 10

(available to listen to in episode 84)

An author.
A dream.
An imagination.
A gift.
A passion.
A hope.
The words magical, mysterious and crazy.
The author, the creator, what an honor it would be,
to have my very own dream come true, you see.
A story has a start.
A story has an end.
A story has a purpose.
A story has an adventure to tell.
The author taking the courage,
to share a twisty story,
A writer is true.
A spark of the need to tell a journey.
I want to become an entertaining writer.
A hope… a dream…

“The Concert Pianist” by Casia, aged 12

(available to listen to in episode 81)

My fingers flying over keys.
Audience watching full of glee.
The orchestra will accompany
my Mozart, Chopin, Debussy.

But, first I'll have to practice more.
Perfect my sound.
perfect my form.
before I truly can perform.

I hope,
I wish,
that you will hear
these joyful sounds
with your own ears.

I hope,
I wish that I can play
the composers’ songs the way they say.

You should know
that music shows
a lot beauty and wonder.

My dream is to become
the one to spread
all that beauty and wonder.

“The Streets Of India” by Trishna, aged 12

(available to listen to in episode 78)

The streets of India are the streets of color.
The streets of India are the streets of music.
The streets of India are the streets of dancing.
The streets of India are full of joy.

The colors are everywhere.
The music is here and there.
The dancing is up and down.
The joy is all around.

The streets of India are my homeland.
Where I’m from and where I stand.
The streets of India is the place to be.
Joy and laughter always fill the streets.

“Hope Alive” by Savera, aged 11

(available to listen to in episode 73)

Many times we are broken in life,
but it's hope that keeps us alive.

From the earth to the stars,
from a free life to behind bars,
there is no comparison between the sun and the moon.
neither will there be between hope and wound.

Wounds come without asking,
and life becomes a disaster.
But in the end it makes us strong,
because life is a sweet and sour song.

At times we do feel that we are lost,
because life brings a turn that just changes us a lot.

We should remember the times of a drought,
when all hope was lost.
Slowly there was rain.
So keeping hope is entirely sane.

Life can be a mess,
but in the end we realise that it's a test.
This test is of a kind that at times we fail.
But don't worry by keeping hope eventually we all will prevail.

So we should sore our wings and fly.
Remember to keep hope alive.
Never be afraid of people who lie,
we should be optimistic and just spread our true colours across the sky.

“Dreams” by Ayushman, aged 11

(available to listen to in episode 78)

Dreams may be turned into real if –
you struggle for that, but not if –
you sleep and dream to be ……

Dreams are so perplexing.
Dreams are so confusing.
Dreams occur to be happy and also so sad.

Dreams are what that helps to target our aim.
All can see dreams by sleeping,
but none can see by sitting.

“Hopes And Dreams In Every Form” by Elizabeth, aged 12

(available to listen to in episode 81)

The little tree shadowed by gargantuan redwoods hopes
that he could grow taller.
The squirrel scurrying across the mossy wood's ground hopes
that he could find food.
The jaguar resting on the firm branches, peering at the forest floor with his emerald green eyes, hopes
that he could have enough courage.
The river with its murky green running waters hopes
that its glassy waters, clear to bottom, wasn't filled with toxins and trash.
The forests and woods brimming with life hope
that their branches wouldn't be cut down, the home to many animals won't be destroyed.
The little girl with her innocent, honey-colored eyes hopes
that animals would not be tortured.
The teacher with her thick-framed glass hopes
that the children would listen.
The hospital patient with cancer hopes
that no one else would have to experience the pain and loss.
The world with its diversity hopes
that it could be at peace.
And I hope
that everything's wishes and dreams can be granted

“Let’s Rewind” by Melissa, aged 11

(available to listen to in episode 73)

Before all of this, most things were good.
I could kiss my mum without worrying,
Now I wonder, Should I? Could I?”
But this invisible enemy envies us all.
I am sure that it’s worse than maleficent scepter.

It’s trying to let us down but we cannot let them call.
It tried to steal our souls...
Just like Hades, Who took the souls?
This enemy rose
as they took down this peace.
This life is worse than the Evil Queen’s apple.

It’s like we are Sir Isaac Newton.
That apple will fall.
We have to protect ourselves as it’s going to fall for us all!

It stuck us in an island with a barrier, no way out.
It seems like everyone was turned to stone.

And tricked by Ursula, witch of the seas pouting it out.
Oh Aladdin where are you?
We could do with some genie right now. Yankee doodle doo!
Jafar, Jafar. He stole our freedom. I feel like we are in a lamp!
Bring our wishes true!
Come and set us free.
How do we ask you the right way?
Oh Aladdin, where are you?

Let’s compare our life to Cinderella.
In the end we shall succeed but for now,
your family and friends is all you need.

“My Hopes & Dreams” by Abigail, aged 11

(available to listen to in episode 84)

I have a dream,
like the many before me.
I want to write songs,
and make up interesting stories.

I want to see the world as I see it.
I don’t want to live
the way others often live it.

I want to be stronger, and help make a difference.
Let earth live for longer.
Not help others relive it.

I don’t want to speak of what earth once was.
I want to use different ideas.
Help Earth’s creatures take off.

I will not just sit here
while each one slowly dies.
I will show what is happening,
and open others’ eyes.

“My Dreams…” by Shreya, aged 14

(available to listen to in episode 76)

I hope the legs stop,
the race is so long.
It should take rest for a while.
Why are you running so fast "time"?

I haven't enjoyed yet,
all the moments.
Cause you are running so fast.
You should take rest for a while.

I want to spend time
with friends and family.
But you are not stopping your legs.
To fulfill my this dreams for a while.

Even a student is struggling
to catch the speed as you run.
But we aren't able to,
cause you are increasing your speed day by day.

My dream is to realise my mistake.
But you are not letting me to do
cause you are running so fast.
So have to run along you,
without wondering what I did before.

I guess, now you are also busy,
cause you are also not having time
to give us some time
to fulfill our number of dreams.

“Hopes And Dreams” by Sneha, aged 16

(available to listen to in episode 73)

Sweet dreams, sassy thoughts.
I wanna become a lady boss.

Crystal clear, my hopes are high.
Oh don't dare to cage me,
it's my time to fly.

I wanna pay my own bills,
and a perfect life for my family.
And all this with a kind soul.
Isn't it lovely?

I hope to see women getting
equity more that equality.
With more respect
and reduced display of frivolity.

Dreams of a prudent life,
heart high with hopes.
And for this,
I'm ready to climb any ropes.
Mind it, I'm not scared of any slopes.

If you think women are weak,
dear, you need a mental floss.
Because, sweet dreams, sassy thoughts,
there are girls out there
who wanna become a lady boss.

“A 7 Wish” by Akubueze, aged 17

New year; New life it is.
So much gone already, so much coming already.
365 days, 48 weeks, 12 months, going and coming.
What a great time to start anew.
A new dream knocking at the door of my heart.
A shooting star calling me.
And I need to answer my calling.

Dear shooting star, near but unreachable,
you called, I heard, and I answered.
By making a wish,
for a new year, I have only but 7 wish to make.
For 7 spiritually stand for perfection.
So make me perfect for it's my wish number 1.

Darling shooting star, tiny but unliftable,
you sent for me, I prepared, and I came,
to make a wish.
This year is the year I say goodbye to high school,
for a higher school.
I wish i would say goodbye in a memorable way,
most especially as a senior prefect, for it is my wish number 2.

Sweetiepie shooting star, crystal clear but so micro,
you messaged me, I typed, and I replied.
through a chat.
You know, I know ever since 5th of April,
I cried from birth till date.
If you can, let me smile for at least 24 hours without nothing getting in the way.
If merciful enough let me smile the Spring smile, wish number 3.

Honey shooting star, twinkle but no wrinkle,
you winked, I understood, and winked back,
with a lot of wishes in it.
Ever since 2016, I have no idea if Mama made it to heaven or not.
But she should, at least for the sacrifice, which not me or anybody else could make.
Lord grant Mama a free gate pass to heaven,
for she couldn't enjoy the light at the end of the tunnel, after finding it so she should in heaven, wish number 4.

Obim- my heart shooting star, heart pounding but uncrushed,
you whispered, I heard, and I wished
with all of my heart
that, this year, no more broken heart.
For a broken heart made me break down.
Instead of moving forward, I remained stagnant last year.
If possible no heart break around me, wish number 5

Mirro, mirro shooting star, mirro, mirro,
you created, I liked and I copied,
and it suited me more better.
Mirro, mirro, I wish I would mirro Jesus,
for he is all any parent could ask and be proud of,
and he loves those cute babies, which i do too.
If i'm not too greedy, let me be God-like, wish number 6.

Lightening shooting star, lights but doesn't thunder,
you sparked, it light and I wow!
What a moment to wish,
and i wished to be a light this year.
That will not only shine,
but will light up the way of a friend
I have met and, a friend i am yet to meet, wish number 7.

“Dream Castle” by Umme, aged 14

(available to listen to in episode 78)

I wanna build my own castle:
a castle of my dreams.
Where every room has a different story.
Every window shows the different glory.
There will be fun, joy and happiness.
A castle of my imagination.
But what keeps it forever is just a dream.

“If I Was A Bird” by Sanaskriti, aged 13

(available to listen to in episode 78)

If I was a bird,
then I would fly in the blue sky.
Then my chirp would be heard.
I would sit on the tall trees high,
and would eat all the fruits there.
Then will fly far away.
From the darkest jungle to the brightest hills.
And will lay,
on the white cotton clouds of soft feelings.
Will stay independently,
and will fly high so the world can see me !

“Let’s Hope For The Best” by Didriksha, aged 13

(available to listen to in episode 73)

Now we are confined to our homes,
but one day again we will be able to roam.
The things which are frustrating us now
will once become our memories.
The memories of all sad things which happened will slowly erode away.
Everything which came to a standstill
will slowly start over again with a new blissful blow.
Jewels who are being killed by this awful pandemic
will still shine in another parallel universe.
One good thing that happened is
we have learnt to live without luxuries.
Now when we stand in front of mirrors, we will be able to see a better version of ourselves.
So let's consider ourselves as 'Beautiful Reborn flowers'.
Now though, we will not be able to see people's smiles but still we can guess expressions through eyes.
So let's hope for the best and adapt masks as our ornaments ....
and salute to those who have dedicated themselves to us.....

“When I Believed” by Asmita, aged 16

(available to listen to in episode 70)

I always doubted myself unceasingly.
Whatever I did was never enough.
I was boring, sad and ordinary.
And that's when the going got tough.

She is pretty, he is smart.
I am ugly, I am a fool.
She is funny, he is a work of art.
I am too feisty, I am so 'not cool'.

When was it that I dared to dream?
When was it that I dreamed to dare?
How is it that life isn't a sad scene?
Why did I think I am so rare?

Oh, there you are, Hope!
Losing sight of you for a while is probable.
Then again, I believed I was unstoppable.
And, when you believe, anything's possible.

“Far From Reality” by Dhani, aged 15

(available to listen to in episode 70)

After a day of being a exhausted soul,
when I close my eyes all my tiredness goes.
Floating on a dream cloud I find myself,
a place where all my imagination dwells.

Sometimes, I might be in a palace as an emperor.
Or find myself serving the same king as a server.
Or I see myself driving my dream car at full speed.
Or playing a role of a person who only pleads.

The nightmares can also be very intense at times,
like a mother whose sons have gone away using flights.
Or crying as a father over the death of his wife.
Or witness the bitter truth of life.

When I open my eyes I come back to reality,
with either a happy or terrified mentality.
Is it a valid question or just fate,
when we wake up what are the dreams that we forget?

“Feathered Friend” by Prisha, aged 13

(available to listen to in episode 70)

Oh, see the feathered friend of mine. 
It came with a shine, 
and made my day divine.
I still remember the cool bright wings, 
with yellow and blue colour tinges.
And all it sang was a melodious song 
for really long

Then it said, “ok, I will go.” 
I said, “no no.”
The cute feathered friend said, “it's time the sun is going down. 
I will come tomorrow to your town.” 

And so it had gone, and not yet came. 
I am waiting for my `feathered friend.` 
Have you seen him, so please inform me.
It's my key.
Key to a natural world.
So please inform.

“My Friend, Eddie” by Hana, aged 15

A young girl, just 14, battling a problem we all know,
Sat crying in-front of the mirror next to her stick thin shadow.
All this going on and my mind’s just getting messier…
It’s just too hard when your own two parents can’t admit your best friends’ anorexia
Nervosa – composed to never tell anyone about my secret, which isn’t secret,
About my illness, which isn’t illness,
About my normal, which isn’t normal.

Complexity filled with the laxity and anxiety rushing in...
Pop, pop, pop the pills they prescribed stopping me from my sin.
But it leaks into my mind.
It intoxicates me with decline from the undefined expeditions of myself.

Got a stack of fake happiness waiting on the shelf
So, people don’t ask me the questions,
don’t have any misconceptions,
never force me into confession,
never realise my obsession with food.

But her voice was the only thing which mattered,
as everything else in my mind had shattered
until my body had finally flattered me
but then I was shunned by society for being ‘too skinny’; all I could see was fat.
And I was never going back to the old, repulsive,
disgusting overweight Hana...
I’m now the one that would cry if you asked me to eat a banana.

Strangling me with an ECG,
another blood test so they could see
if the damage to my body was major –
either that or make me up to be a failure of the meal plan they provided.
But I could only listen to the one-sided, misguided, presided voice in my head;
Doctors being scared I might drop dead
but I was okay, and they were lying, surely, I wasn’t dying?

I know it’s something I need to defeat
but shouting at me isn’t going to make me eat!
Claiming that I’m not trying
but on the inside my mind is dying in conflict:
I’m a calorie-counting addict.
And my anger is something I can’t control
and it’s not fair on you as you’re playing the role
of my parents who didn’t think anything was wrong.

But Eddie was too strong.

Yet hope is the only thing stronger than fear and
one day I’ll be able to walk down the street like a normal person.
Getting back to my prime!
“The table top is a place where’s warriors face their eating disorders one bite at a time.”
I can return to my lucid life one bite at a time.
I can beat my fake friend Eddie, one bite at a time.