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

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.

“The Concert Pianist” by Casia, aged 12

My fingers flying over keys.
Audience watching full of glee.
Yhe 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.

“Goodbye Kiss” by Tiera, aged 10

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

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.”

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

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

“Dreams” by Amogh, aged 10

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...

“Dreams” by Ayushman, aged 11

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 .

“Dream Castle” by Umme, aged 14

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.

“The Streets Of India” by Trishna, aged 12

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.

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

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 !

“I Hope…..” by Jeyan, aged 8

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.

“My Hope And Dream” by Sahana, aged 8

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.

“Hope” by Neassa, aged 12

I once saw a world
full of happiness and love.
A world full of peace,
represented by a dove.

Is this world possible?
Yes, I hope.
Are we too greedy
to ever cope?

This world was equal.
This world was free.
This world is what I
hope for you and me.

“A Real Poem” by Lucia, aged 10

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.

“My Dreams…” by Shreya, aged 14

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.

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

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.

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

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.....

“Let’s Rewind” by Melissa, aged 11

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.

“Hope Alive” by Savera, aged 11

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.

“Hopes And Dreams” by Sneha, aged 16

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.

“My Hope” by Chanelie, aged 6

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.

“When I Believed” by Asmita, aged 16

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.

“Oh, What A Life” by Maya, aged 10

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.

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

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!

“War And Hope” by Ananya, aged 7

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.

“Far From Reality” by Dhani, aged 15

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

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.

“The King And His Present” by Dara, aged 10

There once was a castle,
perched high in the sky,
and if you looked closely,
you might’ve seen a bird passing by.

And in the castle lived a King,
as happy as can be.
And when he got a present,
he screamed with joy and glee.

Until once day,
when the King lost his present.
He cried so much,
his tears the shape of a crescent.

So the knights went on a mission,
a wonderful quest,
to find the King’s present,
among all the rest.

When they found the gift,
the King was so glad.
He doubled the amount
of gold that they had.

So the King lived his life -
a short one he had -
but one thing’s for sure,
he really was glad!

“The Footprints In The Snow” by Freddie, aged 10

As Bruce looked out of the window he saw footprints in the snow,
he looked across at Otis who purred, “Shall we go?”
Bruce firmly shook his head and meowed, “We are not allowed outside.”
“But I really want to play!” Otis sadly cried.
The cats looked eagerly down at the ground,
Their eyes were amazed at what they had found.
Otis jumped high and screeched, “What is that?
A squirrel, a mouse or a rat?”
The mysterious creature was prickly and brown.
It seemed to be rolling around and around.
The cats were confused - it looked like a ball,
but would a ball leave footprints at all?
The curious cats just couldn’t resist,
they headed outside in the snow and the mist.
They tapped the brown ball with their furry little paws,
but the spiky ball ran away of course.
Bruce and Otis watched the ball run away,
leaving thousands of little footprints in the snow that day.

“Ray Of Light” by Amogh, aged 10

It gives us hope.
More than to imagine.
It is far more than,
the specks we see.
It is the saviour of
hope, desire, and longing.
It may not last aghast,
for it will come again and again