The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

A Little Bit of Lion

Some days feel like they’re on your tail,
That you just can’t win, that you’re someone’s prey.
Be like the lion, give a great big roar -
We all need a little bit of lion somedays

Some days you feel like giving up,
When all your efforts seem a waste of time.
Be like the spider and try once more -
We all need a little bit of spider sometimes.

Sometimes things seem different and feel quite strange,
And our ways don’t work and we make a fuss.
Be like the butterfly and fly above -
We all need a little bit of butterfly in us.

Sometimes it feels like you’re just bossed about
And you have to do what other people say.
Be like the rhino and stand your ground -
We all need a little bit of rhino some days.

Sometimes there’s a thing you don’t want to do
It doesn’t feel good and it doesn’t feel fine.
Be like the zebra, dig your heels right in -
We all need a little bit of zebra sometimes.

Sometimes we find it hard to wait
For a snack or our friends or a now-late bus.
Be like the mantis – breathe and pause -
We all need a little bit of mantis in us

Some days feel like they’ll never end
and they’re full of confusion and tricky stuff.
Be like the animals – be yourself!
We all need a little bit of “that’s enough”!

About the Writer


Gillian Spiller

Gillian Spiller is a Scottish poet and children’s author, who has spent many years living and teaching in S-E Asia, E Asia and the Middle East. She is the author of four picture books, The Blue Sock (2019), Star Sailor (2020), On The Shelf (2021) and A Shell for Cleo (2022) by Marshall Cavendish Ltd. (Asia). Her poetry for children is available on the British Council’s Learn English Kids website, as well as here on The Dirigible Balloon.