The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Turning on the lights

There’s an air of
anticipation
as the Christmas lights
are strung across the streets.

Conical green trees appear
above shop windows,
and over the facades
suspended by super glue.

A wash of red
over toys and games,
festive cards and paper
take pole position.

Posters publicise
the date-in-waiting,
at last, the celebrity
is chaperoned to press
the electrifying electric.

We all squeal at the sudden
spreading of colour,
like paint
on damp black paper.

But I have a secret showing
of the lights,
cascading down my fir tree
for only me to see.

About the Writer


Kathryn Beevor

Kathryn is an English teacher, charity trustee, fundraiser and new writer who lives in Buckinghamshire. She writes for adults and children. Her first poem was published in the book Elizabeth’s Poetry of Hope. She is currently editing and publishing her own poetry book to raise money for the charity KASIN (Kids at School in Nepal). Her poems are inspired by experience.