The poem my boys wish I’d write

It would be funny

And the words would be runny

A lot like the poos

We’d mention in loos

There would be slime

A reference to Optimus Prime

Then back to goo

And more talk of the loo

The very last part

Would stink like fart

Oh the very rude joys

Of being mum to two boys 😊

-          Cat Heffernan

About this poem

I published this poem on National Poetry Day in Ireland, but I wrote it some time ago with the objective of making my three-year-old and six-year-old boys laugh.

But the poem has also served as a way of keeping myself honest as a children’s writer.

I write for young children and want them to always be at the front of my mind when I’m creating and sharing poetry and stories. Sometimes, if I feel I’m starting to take myself a little too seriously, and my writing isn’t flowing, I go back to this poem.

It reminds me that it’s okay to be silly, have fun and even be a little rude.

In fact, in children’s writing, they should be actively encouraged.