Dawdle
Dad says, “What’s the hold up?
Are your legs still working?”
We can’t hear. We’re too far back
Dreaming, looking, lurking
Leaping into puddles. Leaves and stones we plunder
Examining, meandering and marvelling in wonder
Are your legs still working?”
We can’t hear. We’re too far back
Dreaming, looking, lurking
Leaping into puddles. Leaves and stones we plunder
Examining, meandering and marvelling in wonder
This poem is copyright (©) Amanda McKenzie 2026
About the Writer
Amanda McKenzie
Amanda McKenzie is a children’s poet and library fanatic from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Her poetry has been published in The School Magazine, Little Thoughts Press and The Dirigible Balloon. In 2025, Amanda was joint winner of The Poets XYZ Poetry for Children competition. You can find her on Instagram @theplaypoet.
