The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Strawberry Picking

My sisters and I
run wild and free
among the luscious rows
of emerald green.

Indulge in the sweet
earthy aroma
of ruby jewels
in early September.

Tickly golden hay
beneath leather sandals,
as we sway
a basket of fruit
by its wicker handles.

A wooden sign
on a picket fence:
‘‘No Eating’’
But the evidence
on berry-kissed faces
and red stained
cotton dresses.

We hear
the rippling cry
of swooping sparrows,
as they fly
above the pastel blue sky.
Envious of our fill.

About the Writer


Josie De Falco

Josie grew up in a large Victorian house full of storytelling and plays with her big Italian/English family. Her inspiration is her children and childhood memories in the Yorkshire Dales, and seaside coast of Filey. Josie is an advocate for encouraging children to explore their imagination through nature and support mental wellbeing. Her childhood nickname is Tinker Bell and a fan of the poems Flower Fairies. Josie’s work has been featured in Parakeet, and forthcoming publication in a nature anthology.