Would you read this to your kids/grandkids?

Question

Night time, play time

My bears and dolls and other toys

Get up when I’m asleep

They jump and leap and dance around

As from my room I creep

Deep in the night without a light

I sometimes go downstairs

In slippers and a dressing gown

To watch them unawares

The soldiers do their marching

While the train set puffs along

The pretty balerina dances

While the music box sings its song

My teddy runs round in circles

Raggedy Anne stands on her head

My Panda does a cartwheel

And my baby doll makes its bed

They always jump back in the box

When anyone hears a noise

By morning they go back

To being just my special toys

I watch them ‘til I’m sleepy

And the cobwebs fill my head

When I wake up it is daytime

I am back in my little bed

Did I really see them playing?

Or was it a dream so deep?

Do my toys and I get up at night

When we should be fast asleep?

From the Jellz Vault of Poems 18/7/92

Answer 1

I don't know. I agree with the first response of "depends on their age".  I hesitate because of the fear of the dark and the things that go bump in the night.  Some children might not appreciate to know that their toys are running around during the night. ♥

Answer 2

Yes I'd definately read it to my 3 granddaughters.  I think its great. Its not 'scary' and I think the kids will be wondering what the other toys they have will be doing. It flows well and the rhythm and rhym is excellent.

Answer 3

Yes! Children love this ballad style.  It is very visual and the meter calls to them. The original of this one deserves to be placed in a vault; it is very valuable.  But give the children many copies. (Final line: I would delete "fast" before asleep to maintain the meter).

Answer 4

It should depend on their age.

Answer 5

No!!!

Answer 6

In short... Yep...!

This is a great write. It really made me smile with it's happy simplistic tones. Well done.

More from the vaults please...!

(",)

PS. I take the point made about the "dressing gown":

However, I'm wearing mine as I type and still call it that...

Answer 7

I think a lot of children will enjoy this poem.  Add illustrations and it becomes a child's book.  

You have a special gift.

T.

Answer 8

yes, it/ they  should be shared with children. 1992 you say?

Answer 9

Yes all my little Golden books I had as a child and DR,Seuss,Fairytales

Answer 10

I loved that poem it took me away ,it was refreshing and just made my feel happy you should let every one you know should hear it,P.S I loved the part about the pretty ballerina hope I helped =^..^=

Answer 11

Writing poetry for kids surely is not child's play. This is quite an accomplishment! I have three comments, one important and the other two my usual chickenschitte.

1-When I first read this (silently) I had some difficulty with the rhythm in a few places. When read aloud (as this is meant to be), I was able to adjust it so that both rhythm and meter were perfect.  

2- The term "dressing gown" seems archaic. Do people stiil say that?

3- Unless you are writing in Crimean Tatar, the dancer requires two L's, "ballerina."Ya gotta be on yer toes here.

Answer 12

I'm going to read this to Emmy when I see her tomorrow, stay tuned for reports.  Emmy is 4 months and seems very interested in words, she listens and looks so intently and then coos and gurgles back at appropriate times.  Unfortunately, if Gracie and George understand English, they give no clue.  Looked bored and walked away as I read it out loud,  Daft little buggers, my cats!  

PS  Keep emptying the vault and keep writing.