IMAGINE THAT!!!

Here are the WINNERS

Five poets each win a copy of these fabulous books.
To find out more about the books click here.

Thanks to all who entered. We had a huge e-bag for this competition. Below are the runners-up and the best of the rest. Sorry there's not space to show everyone's poems. Thanks for entering! And if you didn't win - try again next time. Here are the five winners.

Perfect Night by Annie Eliza Catlett (aged 13)

Laying on my back in the hot summer sun
watching the sunset,
bright colors of orange, yellow and red,
hearing the soft chirps of insects,
listening to the own beat of your heart.

Waiting for that perfect time,
of when the sun is almost set,
to feel the feeling of being complete,
and having the feeling of knowing something
others don't.

When the sun has set,
and the night is blue,
and hearing the call of animals,
returning to their homes,
I get up slowly to savor the moment.

Walking at a steady pace,
in a race only against myself,
I watch the night settle in.

Night crawls over me.
it reaches depths unknown to man itself
Night, as a protector, cradles countless beings to sleep.

Feeling the warmth of the air,
looking at the first star,
wishing, but not needing any more.

As a cluster of stars move about in the sky,
feeling that special feeling again,
still moving slowly,
I approach my destination.

Snuggled all warm after my bath,
listening again to the own beat of my heart,
looking at the stars threw my window,
dreaming about how special the next day will be.

Animals by Robson Jones (aged 9)

Did you know this a person told me it
Moles can't score goals!

Here I bet you didn't know this
A monkey can be very, very, very funky!

Hey you did you know that a lion,
Has been really, really cry'n?

Do you know that little green speckly frog
Has been in a log?

Have you heard about them bumble bees
They have wobbly knees!

Do you know that boat called Noah's Ark?
It's made out of bark!

Do you know a lion's orange bushy mane?
It looks like orange rain!

Do you know them red thorny tall roses?
They remind me of noses!

Do you know that spotty flash as a dash cheetah?
He can drink a litre!

Conspire Con Mundo by Stacey Balkun (aged 18)

At the beginning, there was an A.
He stood tall on a cliff and kept watch
over his empty world.

A chased down more letters, believing
in missing faces that had to be shown.
He developed words with his brothers,
trumping across pages of blank world.

When D was discovered, A created the Dance.
He swung his hips, threw his hands up to the Air,
banged on the drums and moved to the rhythm
each separate beat
until every soul appeared in the night,

clashed against another and multiplied so more words
could slip through our lips as we dance
along our journey to the closed-eyed end.

Rocky Rocket Ride by Alysha Bhatti (aged 11)

Up and up my rocket flies
High and high beyond the skies.
I sit and swing on Milky Way
Slide and ride on the Cosmic Ray,
Through the night, past the stars,
Mercury, Venus, and then Mars.
To giant Jupiter's stormy ball,
Across the radiation wall.
Past the swirling asteroid,
Jumping back into the void.
Down black hole I mustn't slip,
Ready steady! hold the grip.
Saturn rings are freezing cold,
With no gravity to hold
Greenish slimy ball of pus,
Ugly, putrid, Uranus.
As Neptune storms evaporate,
Triton rocks for icy skate.
Pluto is my final stop,
Before I freeze to an ice pop.
Time now for a mighty blast,
That brings me back to Earth at last.

Shiver by Cally Steadman (aged 16)

And my heart jumped,
But it did not land,
For it was high. Ecstatic.
As his lips reached out for my neck,
His chocolate hair brushing my skin,
Like the ocean to the beach.
His warm breath,
And the scent of a flower,
On himself and in my heart. Blossoming.
He whispers in my ear,
"I love you," in his deep voice,
Like in the films I've watched.
I look into his luscious eyes,
Deep into an enchanted world,
And see fireworks. Aflame.
Realising it is my sparkling face alight,
My reflection lost in his gaze,
Like a ship out at sea.
My mouth too dry to reply,
But the thudding of my heart says it all,
His hand reaches for my leg. Touches.
A tingle to the heart,
A shiver runs down my spine,
Like it does on a winters evening.
Except I couldn't feel more warm than I did that night.
In that dream.
My imagination.

Runners Up Runners Up Runners Up Runners Up
(No prize but a really big pat on the back from a
giant teddy bear. Well done!!!)

Short Hair by Harvey Macdonald (aged 7)

I have short hair
I have short hair
I have medium too.
I have porcupines and rocky pines
and all the other hairdo's.
But really what I want to do
is get a new shampoo.

A Little Man and A Million Fairies by Pamela Villa (aged 15)

A thousand and a half smiles greet me as I wave goodbye to school.
Summer is here and it is more than just a season.
There's this big world with these big feelings inside of summer.
Rolling waves and long runs down a park full of sunshine.
I follow a yellow brick road into another land.
A little man hands me a book and runs to hide behind the tree.
As I open the book, my whole body enters yet another world.
The world of books, the world of fantasy.
A million fairies blow my golden kisses and I sit in the middle of the world.
I can be anything in this world.
I am no longer real and I am weightless.
I can fly above the trees and swim under the oceans.
Free to be like the wind and like the sun.
I travel to another land, one that not everyone knows...
Where dreams come true and a rainbow appears when you look hard enough.
Welcome to my world, this is my land.
This is my only joy, my only truth.

Imagining by Devon Conrad (aged 11)

I'm soaring with the eagles
I'm swimming with the fish
I find a blue genie
That will grant me a wish
'Hey, wake up!
Pay attention to the teacher!'
Oops, imagining things again!

Imagine by Hannah Baukert (aged 12)

I like to imagine everyone united
grouped as one
free of segregation or hatred
I like to imagine a place free of dehydration, and
free of starvation
only happiness
and equality
I like to imagine the world a whole nation,
and not divided
and pain would simply be gone
This world needs a renovation
one that come from the imagination

Hotel by Abbie Woodfine (aged 9)

I am lying in the pool
Looking around I see
tropical trees and clear blue sea.

I see Naomi playing in the sand.
I see Bethany swimming in the sea.

I think to myself I am on cloud nine
Oh, I think, America is beautiful.

The sand is like Rapunzel's golden hair.
The sea is like the lightest blue you have ever seen.
The sun is like bacon sizzling in a pan.

I walk around the hotel
I think it's amazing.

Small Things by Stella Macdonald (aged 17)

I love to find small things around
Of every kind upon the ground.
No-one can know just what they've lost,
Those things they throw I'm glad they've tossed.

Old paper bags become new wings
And strings and rags make clothes for kings.
Torn umbrellas are galleon's sails,
Coins from tellers are seas for whales.

Lollypop sticks and tiny bones
Are candlesticks for homeless gnomes.
There's no mistake that key I found
For certain makes the world go round.

Boxes and chairs and dirty stones
Are lairs for bears and beetle homes.
So that is why, dear brother Ned,
I keep them safe (beneath your bed.)

A Dream by Violet Macdonald (aged 11)

I dreamt the clouds were candy floss,
The trees were licorice sticks,
The cats and dogs were apple-pies,
And the plants were candlewicks.

The ground was squares of chocolate,
The sun was marzipan,
The moon was made of bright blue cheese,
And the world was a frying pan.

Imagine Imagine Imagine by Tanuvi Ethunandan (aged 11)

Imagine Imagine Imagine
Hippopotamuses could fly and crocodiles were white
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Hamsters could ski and penguins could skate
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Reindeers could swim and fish could dance
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Polar bears could sun bathe and monkeys could fish
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Rabbits could sail and kangaroos could dive
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Hair brushes could sing and light switches could talk
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Robots would do chores and mums would do homework
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Chocolates had zero calories and lollipops were tooth friendly
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Rugs could sleep walk and hair bands could skip
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Humans could holiday and play cricket in space
Imagine Imagine Imagine
Annoying siblings could go to military school
Imagine Imagine Imagine
If this weird, weird world of imagination ever came true!

Best of the Rest

There are some really good poems here - but some of them don't really fit the theme of the competition. When you enter a competition make sure you read the rules and instructions properly.

Mary Had a Little Lamb by Celina Macdonald (aged 13)

Mary had a little lamb,
Its teeth were white as snow,
Because it brushed them every day
To make them shine and glow.

It put on swimming trunks one day,
And went into the pool;
It also put on sunglasses
To make itself look cool.

She by Aeren Baker

She wouldn't ask for more than you could do
She'd help; she'd bite off more than she could chew
She'd help you through
She'd do almost anything for you

She gives so much away
She understands and knows exactly what to say
She compromises, sympathises, empathises and she'll stay
She'll go out of her way

In a world filled with trouble pain and doubt
She is the lynch pin helping your capsized boat out
She doesn't mind what it's about
She's refreshing; she's inspiring beyond a shadow of a doubt

Together We Can by Amy Gijsbers van Wijk (aged 12)

As long as we have each other
You know everything's alright when we're around,
You know you will be fine - safe and sound.
You know we'll always be able to pick you up off the ground
And cheer you up every time you feel down.
We are your friends, and your family
Together, forever, we will all be happy
As long as we have each other

Underdog by Lilly Athamanah (aged 12)

Sometimes it's not over yet
Something inside you
Has to be an adventure
Just waiting to topple
Everyone who thinks you are not the best
But you find yourself different to the rest.

You grew up in a not-so-typical town
Filled with stars shining down
You started off shaky
But you didn't want to be alone
Then you started wishing on a star
You think you will never get too far
But your dreams were racing to you from the start.

As the sun shines so bright
You still want to sleep 'til night
But you have to start a new day
Set aside all the games mediocre kids play
Open up the rare piece inside you that hides away.

Forget about all your worries while you can
And try to reach for something you can follow
When feeling the breeze that's not hollow
You are unstoppable, untoppable, and unpredictable
At times you feel miserable
But out of all things-
You are unconquerable.

Spring by Debi Gray

All of the flowers talking,
spreading the word.
Spring is here, and back is
the song of the bird.
The trees are singing,
blowing in the breeze.
And the caterpillars are hatching,
along with the bees.
All the rabbits, with cotton tails.
And all the butterflies,
their wings very pail.
Spring is everywhere,
and here to stay.
Then, suddenly I hear
" Wake up dear, and look out the window!
It's winter today! "
It was just a dream! But hey!
Nothing's wrong with winter!
I'll just put on my jacket,
and go out and play!

My Journey by Aiden Woods (aged 9)

Blasting off with flaming power,
soaring in this place,
come up here
in this big place.

I looked around in this crater
to check my suit
to my surprise
I found the loot.

I saw some aliens over there
I fired my guns
to my surprise,
it let out buns.

I looked around on the moon
in the dark
I just remembered
I left my cousin Mark.

I ran after those awful aliens
I threw my boot
but then
I heard a hoot.

Images by Hanah Baukert (aged 12)

Images of a small cottage,
covered in crisp white flakes
blending into beaches, stepping upon soft, powdered
happiness
Imagining a new form of reality,
I love to find new depths, new worlds,
slipping into oceans, in the body of something new,
cold water engulfing glowing skin
Imagining new planes of existence
finding purity
in images
Imagine

My Adventure by Jade Dyke (aged 9)

I was going on a rocket,
And nearly lost my locket.

I went to out of space,
And it was no ordinary place.

The rocket went super speed
because there's something we need.

I could see the stars,
And I could even see Mars.

I hated the suit,
But people thought I was cute.

The moon looked like milk,
But the other planets looked like silk.

Space was a dark night,
But at Earth it was bright.

Space by Lauren Angus (aged 8)

Before you go to space
Put on your suit
I really bet
You look so cute.

You go up in rockets
Better zip up your pockets.

The planet Mars
Is smaller than the stars.

Oh there's the moon
It looks like my spoon.

There's an alien playing ball
I think it's about to fall.

It's so dark
It reminds me of Mark.

Look at that planet
It looks like Auntie Janet.

My rocket travels by super speed
An alien is in need.

The sun is so bright
But it still feels like night.

Times of Yore by Kayla Cruse

I walk a trodden path scarred with the remains of others before me
Each step is unique, set apart from the rest for only my eyes to see
My determination mixed with fear serve as my only defense
As I embark on a journey yearning to learn more, engulfed in suspense

My past times of yore etched lessons of regret upon my mind
A film of meticulous memories remind me of what I leave behind
Those out of reach childhood dreams I use to wish upon a star
Now help me to look forward to the future and don't seem quite so bizarre

Though I have made my share of mistakes as I travel this beaten trail
And encountered many difficult obstacles I have had to prevail
It taught me about life, to appreciate what I was given
I have grown stronger and towards my goal I now am more driven

With support from my family that has always been by my side
And putting my trust in the Lord as my one and only guide
I've accepted my challenge and the opportunities I'm bestowed
Never forgetting nor neglecting my confidence in that old dirt road

Follow Me by Chi Song

The world seems dark, 'neath darkened skies
and of the light, there is no sight.
I know this life, so full of strife,
and I'll lead you through the night.

Follow me, I'll be your guide.
I'll lead you to the other side.
I'll fight through the darkest night
and teach you how to fly.

The world seems dulled, through deadened eyes,
and of the light, there is no sight.
I promise you, on the other side,
the sun and stars shine ever-bright.

Follow me, I'll be your guide.
I'll lead you to the other side.
I'll fight through the darkest night
and teach you how to use your eyes.

Follow me to the other side
where flowers bloom in sun-filled skies.
Where spring comes but never dies,
and far above the earth larks fly,

Hailing the rise of heaven's light,
and of the darkness there is no sight,
for we are far beyond the night.
Follow me to the other side.

Little Boy Blue by Celina Macdonald (aged 13)

Little Boy Blue come make a call,
The sheep's in the movies,
the cow's in the mall.
Where is the boy who looks after the sheep?
He's up in his bedroom fast asleep.
Will you wake him? No, don't dare!
His pets are having a party out there.

Young King Cole by Celina Macdonald (aged 13)

Young King Cole
Was a merry old soul,
And a merry old soul was he;
He called for his pipe,
And he called for his bowl,
And yet he was only three.

A Kid's Real Christmas by Brianna Leria Kidd (aged 12)

Christmas is around the corner.
Can't you see?
People are pouting,
And shouting with glee.
We want presents,
We want them now.
But if you don't have any,
Get out of my house!
We need toys.
It'll make us flip.
But if there are none left,
It's the Apocalypse!!!
So, we need to shop;
We need a list!
I hope that everyone
Can have a Merry Christmas.

My Beautiful Hands by Nicole C. McElroy (aged 8)

My hands are the waves going to the shore.
They are butterfly shadows.
They are spectacular.
The have colored nails.
They are loving and fun.
They can be wonderful.
They are my beautiful hands.
They are holding hands with God,
and opening the gates of Heaven.
My Dreams by Kirsty Lane (aged 15)
I dream of a world not like today's
With different people and living ways.
Offering everyone the same chance to live.
Encouraging equality, fairness to give.
Where black and white live together.
In one community there forever.
Allowing arguments to be settles with peace.
Making World Wars and fighting cease.
A better place for everyone to share.
Leaving behind a worlds that unfair.

Watching Kids Outside Height's Pharmacy by Stacey Balkun

We begin our journey gathered around our drug
store of choice, making faces
through the smeared glass window,
jousting with plastic straws.
Go ahead and chase us with a broom
we'll get a kick out of that and
isn't that why we're here, anyway?
Just for kicks just to stick our noses
high in the air and sneer, we're
too good for this town, we belong
Elsewhere, you and me and I'll tell you what -
We'll strut on out of here one day,
go and go 'til we come across some
ancient river in some forgotten land
and we'll take a swim, wet our skins
then laugh about it. Then maybe
cry about it or console a scoop
of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Once we're ready we'll hit the road.
off we go sailing past the notorious
strip malls of this garden state.
We'll move our crew to a new kingdom
and maybe build a castle.

My Family by Rachel West (aged 9)

Now where to start I don't know,
A whole family to go through
There's a big row.

Well start with me mum
Who is bossy but nice,
She has shouted at me,
More than once,
More than twice.

Well move on to big sis,
She's called Kat,
She'll stick up for you,
And she'll stop and chat.

And then there's my dad,
On the couch he sits,
He'll walk round in his undies,
Scratching his bits.

Moving on to my Nan,
She spoils me rotten,
To me my Nan,
Is as soft as cotton.

Oh yes and my granddad,
He doesn't like the basement,
He was in hospital,
For a knee replacement.

I have two cats,
Called Suzie and Rosie,
They sit on my bed,
And make themselves cosy.

My rabbit Cassy,
Lives in the back yard,
Her fur is grey and soft,
It's nowhere near hard.

Oh yes, my dog Sasha,
She's quite new,
First she chewed the couch,
Next it could be you

Lucky Day by Violet Macdonald (aged 11)

When early I got out of bed today,
A lot of good luck it just came my way,
My favourite program was on BBC,
For once in a blue moon we weren't out of tea.
Mummy had washed my new schoolbag so clean,
"Hi," said Miss Mally who's always been mean,
Teacher said that I'd got only straight As,
I won't have to come back for twenty-four days.
The ice-cream van had half price off all mocha,
I finished my book that's called Davy Jones Locker
For lunch my fave sandwiches, lettuce and egg,
I went to my friend's house, I won't have to beg.
I learnt to ride my bike all round the block,
Dad brought my bedroom a brand new wall clock,
For dinner we had potato meat bake,
For dessert we had a big chocolate cake.
I went on the computer, I found out in surprise,
I'd won a Poetry Zone poetry prize!

Teacher Trouble by Jasmine Bown (aged 9)

It's the end of term
The teachers favourite time of year
They're finally rid of children!
It's time to shout & cheer!

They're taking out their sunhats
They're heading to the sea
Those good-for-nothing teachers
Are rid of you & me

But now it's time to go home
It's time to end the fun
Now they're horribly depressed
'Cos now September's come!!!!!

Imagining Things by Kenneth Steven (Lion Children's Books)
This is a great collection of lyrical and often humourous poems which show some of the surprise and excitement that can be ours in the world around us.Read these poems to enjoy the joy and wonder of imagining things.

To buy this book or for more information from amazon.co.uk - click here

Whispering in God's Ear by Alan MacDonald (Lion Children's Books)
This anthology celebrates the world around us. It includes a wide range of modern and classic poems which entertain and inspire - with something to suit everyone's taste.

To buy this book or for more information from amazon.co.uk - click here

I imagine you'd like to go back to the top...