Little rhymes for real life

Browse short poems for birthdays, thank-yous, friendship, love, encouragement, and bedtime.

The morning leaf boat

A leaf boat sails the gutter stream With room aboard for one small dream. I wave it past the garden gate And let the day's adventures wait.

Everyday · Hopeful

A little pumpkin by the pane Looks out at passing drops of rain. It wears an orange, patient grin And keeps the autumn color in.

Everyday · Playful

A biscuit passed before my tea And hid the cup from view for me. I took a bite, restored the light, And put the kitchen world to right.

Everyday · Playful

One slipper waits beside the bed To catch the foot that steps ahead. The other joins without delay; Two little comforts start my day.

Everyday · Warm

I found a ribbon in a drawer From something sent some years before. A small forgotten piece of blue Brought back a lovely thought of you.

Everyday · Warm

A jar of jam beside my spoon Reflects a tiny kitchen moon. I move it gently round the light And make a daytime slice of night.

Everyday · Playful

The fence wears lace of early frost; Each wooden rail is silver-glossed. The sun arrives to warm the view And turns its tiny threads to dew.

Everyday · Peaceful

The red front door has leaves to greet And golden visitors at its feet. I sweep them gently from the stair And find that autumn's everywhere.

Everyday · Warm

A mushroom on my breakfast plate Became an umbrella just by fate. The toast stayed dry beneath its brim; I saved the rainy crust for him.

Everyday · Playful

The kettle waits for morning's cue; The window holds a softer blue. I watch the dark begin to fade And greet the little day we've made.

Everyday · Peaceful

The laundry warms the afternoon; The towels smell of soap and June. I fold the sunlight, square by square, And put a little summer there.

Everyday · Peaceful

I flipped a pancake much too high; It took a tour of kitchen sky. It landed back with quite a plop; My breakfast trick is where I'll stop.

Everyday · Playful