The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

The Best Gift

One more gift
under the tree –
a familiar shape
waiting for me.

Hidden by paper,
wrapped with pride,
it’s easy to guess
what’s inside.

Tear off the paper.
Add to the mess.
Read the title.
Hug to my chest.

Soon I’ll be in
my cozy nook,
happily reading
a brand-new book!

About the Writer


Theresa Gaughan

Theresa is a third-grade teacher living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is an avid reader and has a very extensive collection of children's books. The first poem she ever shared with others was written in fourth-grade. It was titled, I Have to Pay Attention. Her teacher asked her to make it into a poster that she later displayed in the hallway. Ms. Gaughan has no memory of the lesson that she missed while writing the poem.