The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Elf on the Shelf

I’m Stealth, your naughty Christmas elf
I’ve been away a while
but now I’m back, let’s play some tricks
to make you children smile!

Prowling, creeping, while you’re sleeping,
quiet as a mouse.
Slinking, sneaking, always wreaking
havoc in your house!


I’ll wrap your tree in toilet roll
and on the star I’ll pop
your brother’s purple pants. But help!
I’m stuck now at the top!

I’ve found your sister’s make-up bag.
This lipstick’s really fun!
I’ll write on all the mirrors, then
red nose for everyone!

I love your baking cupboards best.
I’ll mix, whisk, stir, beat, pour
and make flour-angels then, oh whoops!
An egg’s smashed on the floor!

I’ve lots more jokes stuffed up my sleeves,
though Christmas is quite near …
I’ll soon head home to Santa, but
I’ll see you all next year!

About the Writer


Jacqueline Shirtliff

Jacqueline is a poet and primary school teacher on the Isle of Man. One of her favourite things is helping children to love poetry and reading and encouraging them to be writers themselves. She lives in a rose-covered cottage near the sea and enjoys gardening, crochet, and playing the tuba and harp, but not all at the same time! You can read some of her other poems in The Caterpillar, Tyger Tyger, Northern Gravy, The Toy, and Little Thoughts Press.