Little rhymes for real life

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

The runaway teaspoon

A teaspoon slipped behind the jam And hid beside a pot of ham. I found it with the breakfast things; A kitchen has its wanderings.

Everyday · Playful

Your first attempt can wobble so; That's often how beginnings go. A crooked line is still a start; Keep room for learning in your heart.

Encouragement · Hopeful

The morning brings a pot of light To paint the edges of the night. Before the busy hours begin, I let a little brightness in.

Everyday · Hopeful

The rain has finished with the street And folded up its tapping feet. The gutters whisper, low and slow; The town is sleeping down below.

Bedtime · Peaceful

A paper ticket, soft and blue, Says dreamland has a seat for you. The train makes stops at sleepy streams And carries bags of tiny dreams.

Bedtime · Warm

A cloud put on a nightshirt white And floated slowly out of sight. The moon undid its silver tie And hung it gently in the sky.

Bedtime · Peaceful

A worry likes to stay up late And tell you everything can't wait. Give it a chair outside your room; Let sleep make space for morning's bloom.

Encouragement · Peaceful

We take the street that turns around The bakery with its cheerful sound. The longest route is fine with me When you are there for company.

Love · Tender

An apple basket by the door Holds autumn's sweetness to its core. We choose the ones with crooked stems And polish them like little gems.

Everyday · Warm

A wish can fit a candle's glow And travel farther than you know. May yours find room to bloom and stay Long past this happy birthday day.

Birthday · Warm

A wooden bench, a patch of shade, A place for all the plans we've made. We talk, or simply watch the sky; The hours feel kinder passing by.

Friendship · Peaceful

You heard the words I couldn't say And didn't hurry them away. You let the tangled story start And held it gently in your heart.

Thank you · Tender