The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Raid at Trafalgar Square

A pigeon with an eager eye searches the crowds for a snack,
Touring around Trafalgar Square, planning his attack.
A family stop to eat and drink, while taking in the sights.
Dad springs into action, "Time for a photo, everyone sit tight.”

Distracted, their lunch boxes are left exposed,
Above, the hungry pigeon circles, watching as they pose.
The family chatters as they change their place,
Arms around each other with smiles on their face.

Click! Click! Goes the camera.
“Say cheese,” everyone sings.
The bird swoops on Dad’s sandwich!
Today, he’ll feast like a king.

The family return to their food but Dad finds only cake,
Puzzled, he rummages in his bag —surely a mistake.
"My lunch has been swiped," Dad says, "Who has done this deed?
There’s no one else around, just birds pecking at some seed."

Days later, as the family look at photos of their trip,
They spot a pigeon, descending, in a daring dip.
"I wondered where my food went," Dad exclaims, "It seemed absurd,
That my lunch vanished so quickly—it was that naughty bird!
See him atop Nelson’s Column for his picnic spot.
He didn’t leave a crust or crumb and, scoffed the blimming lot!"

About the Writer


Philippa Rae

Philippa enjoys writing poetry and short stories for children. A published author of four books, she has also had work featured in The School Magazine, High Five, The Short Edition, Kidscene, Stinkwaves, Storytime, Bumples and The Caterpillar. She's also had work featured in various anthologies such as Words and Other Wild Things and Hipp-O-Dee-Doo-Dah.