The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

A Smile in the Morning

I start the morning smiling,
I say hello to me.
I smile inside the quiet time,
The new day dawning free.

I start the morning smiling,
It helps me shake off sleep.
It fills me up with energy
And happy thoughts to keep.

I smile inside my body,
And all across my face.
I send a smile to all of me;
Each part in its right place.

I smile at my heart beating,
Then every sense in turn:
Taste, smell, sight, touch, my hearing too;
All help me play and learn.

If any part is struggling,
Less strong, injured or ill,
I give it some encouragement
To say I love it still.

With hands upon my tummy
I take deep breaths, and rest.
My body is a miracle,
It always does its best.

I’m grateful for my body;
I smile to let it know.
My body works in harmony;
I see this as I grow.

While I am playing, learning;
While I read, write, and sing,
My body knows it has my love
And thanks for everything.

About the Writer


Liz Kendall

Liz Kendall writes poetry for adults and children. Her co-authored hardback Meet Us and Eat Us: Food plants from around the world celebrates biodiversity in poetry, prose, and fine art photography. Publications include Candlestick Press, The Hedgehog Poetry Press, Flights, Allegro, The Dirigible Balloon, Thimble Lit Mag, Amethyst Review and Lighten Up Online. Find her online at theedgeofthewoods.uk, @rowansarered on Twitter/Facebook.