My Heart
When I am grownup I’ll sail all the seas
in a boat I’ll make out of Christmas trees,
and I’ll dance with what’s on the other side –
my heart is as big as the ocean’s wide.
When I am grownup I’ll climb all the mountains
in a coat I’ll sew with coconut buttons,
and at the top I’ll touch the sky –
my heart is as big as Qomolangma’s high.
When I am grownup I’ll cross all the sands
on a camel I’ll breed with my own two hands.
She’ll be the staunchest travelling fellow –
my heart is as big as the desert’s yellow.
And after all that I’ll come back home
with all my stories of when I roamed
and my children will listen to my thrilling song –
their hearts as big as my tales are long.
in a boat I’ll make out of Christmas trees,
and I’ll dance with what’s on the other side –
my heart is as big as the ocean’s wide.
When I am grownup I’ll climb all the mountains
in a coat I’ll sew with coconut buttons,
and at the top I’ll touch the sky –
my heart is as big as Qomolangma’s high.
When I am grownup I’ll cross all the sands
on a camel I’ll breed with my own two hands.
She’ll be the staunchest travelling fellow –
my heart is as big as the desert’s yellow.
And after all that I’ll come back home
with all my stories of when I roamed
and my children will listen to my thrilling song –
their hearts as big as my tales are long.
This poem is copyright (©) Hilary Elder 2026
About the Writer
Hilary Elder
Hilary was born, raised and lives in the Far North of England – though she has been to other places. She loves writing for children and grownups, and doing projects helping people get the most out of words. She has work published in Tyger Tyger, The Caterpillar, Paddle Press, The Dirigible Balloon and Northern Gravy, among others. Her first book of poems comes out with Valley Press in 2025. Find her at hilaryelder.com
