Josie Whitehead’s Poems
By Josie Whitehead
Our parents suggested yesterday that we all should do our part
To improve the world around us – but just how should we start?
We all were given thinking caps, and a sheet of paper too.
We started with a few ideas, but the list just grew and grew.
“Let’s grow our fruit and vegetables” – this came early in the list.
“I’ll not do this by myself” said Dad. “You lot can assist.”
“We’ll use the central heating less – in fact use it not at all”
“Yes – let us make a roaring fire with those logs out by the wall.”
“I’d like to learn to knit” said one “And make clothes from local wool.”
“We can make our own compost now for our compost bin is full.”
“We’ll go to school by bus” said Sam “instead of in the car.”
Mum said: “I’ll turn that fruit into jam – yes, fill up every jar.”
“We can save on electricity if we change to low watt lights.”
“We’ll take our holidays at home, not waste fuel on flights.”
“We don’t need ready meals, for we all can learn to cook –
And watch the television less, and instead let’s read our books.”
“Instead of swanning round in cars, let’s use our feet and walk” –
“For instead of getting road rage, we can walk along and talk.”
“We won’t need fees for slimming clubs, or either for the gym –
For by walking more and gardening – we’ll all get nicely slim.”
One family member sat and smiled – she’d listened with intent –
For Granny, more than anyone, knew exactly what they meant.
“It’s very strange” said Granny “For I’ve lived like this before”
“We hadn’t thought that we were ‘green’ – they told us it was war.”
Copyright 2007