Instructions for Finding a Lost Explorer
First, travel to the Oceanus Stella
where the islands are scattered
like green dice upon a blue table.
Pause on each island
and listen to what the sea shells
whisper in your ear.
Follow the raven’s flight
until you reach the hidden forest.
Beneath a talking tree,
there will be a deep well.
Shout into the well
and listen to the echo
as it will give you good advice.
Do not talk to any goblins
and ignore whatever any trolls suggest.
Beware of wolves and jealous guardians.
Climb the glass mountain,
with the help of a sturdy pair
of butterfly wings.
Now capture a moonbeam.
Search in the caves,
until you find a leaf-map.
The map will show you
where your lost friend is imprisoned!
where the islands are scattered
like green dice upon a blue table.
Pause on each island
and listen to what the sea shells
whisper in your ear.
Follow the raven’s flight
until you reach the hidden forest.
Beneath a talking tree,
there will be a deep well.
Shout into the well
and listen to the echo
as it will give you good advice.
Do not talk to any goblins
and ignore whatever any trolls suggest.
Beware of wolves and jealous guardians.
Climb the glass mountain,
with the help of a sturdy pair
of butterfly wings.
Now capture a moonbeam.
Search in the caves,
until you find a leaf-map.
The map will show you
where your lost friend is imprisoned!
This poem is copyright (©) Pie Corbett 2025
About the Writer
Pie Corbett
Pie Corbett is an English educational trainer, writer, storyteller and poet. He has edited 24 anthologies and his collection, ‘Evidence of Dragons’ is a classroom staple. He was writer-in residence at the Kent festival, and has appeared at the Cheltenham and Edinburgh Festivals. He has worked on BBC radio and tv programmes, was nominated for a BAFTA and the Japanese Prize for educational tv. He is well-known for creating the Talk for Writing approach to learning, which is widely used within UK primary schools and around the world. A new collection is appearing in September from Otter-Barry Books, titled Dragon Cat.
