If I had to be one of the creatures in the sea,

I think I’d be a little white – tipped shark;

Fins all tipped with white so that I could swim at night,

And not run into others in the dark.

Better yet, a hermit crab, my house upon my back,

Crawling sideways, down below the swell;

Never mind the chores, when the dirt builds up indoors

I’d leave it there and find another shell.

I could be a parrot fish and live out on the reef,

There amongst the coral trees I’d play;

I could make a wish upon a little white starfish,

Then take a little swim around the bay.

What about a great big whale – biggest of them all!

Swim around and sing a happy tune;

Find a school of krill and then when I’ve had my fill

Sing and spout away the afternoon.

I’d like to be a seahorse with a cutely rolled-up tail,

Gliding in the currents with such grace;

Though I seemed at play I’d be training for the day,

The day I win the annual seahorse race.

If I was a herring I’d be clever and alert,

I’d learn to swim and take off like a jet;

I’d study hard in school so that I would be no fool,

No fisherman would catch me in his net.

A stingray? Yes, I see it now, gliding through the sea,

Through the clear blue water I would sail;

If predators attack I would simply turn my back

And wave about the stinger in my tail.

All the fish are lovely and I’d really hate to choose,

I’d like to be each one for just a day;

Then I’d understand what it’s like to have dry land

Maybe here on shore I’d better stay!

more of my CHILDREN"S POEMS