The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

When Santa was in a Mood

HO HO HO!
Do I have to be so jolly?
It’s not easy to feel cheerful when you’ve just sat on some holly,

HO HO HO!
Do I always have to smile?
I’ve never been a fan of red, and suits are not my style,

HO HO HO!
Can I be allowed to frown?
I got completely lost when I was looking for your town,

HO HO HO!
Did you hear that great big thump?
I landed in your fireplace on my bottom with a bump!

HO HO HO!
Oooooh! Hot chocolate and mince pies?

I’m feeling much more jolly now!
Thanks so much!
Time to fly!

About the Writer


Helen Dineen

Helen is an educational writer, originally from Edinburgh and now based in Southampton. Her first short poetry book 'The Incredible Whale and other poems' was published by Collins Big Cat in 2021. She has also had poems published by The Caterpillar and Bloomsbury. Helen previously worked in a primary school, and some of her best memories are of practising poems with the children, for them to perform in assembly.