The Dirigible Balloon – Poetry for Kids

Work has been calm this month which has been both wonderful and stressful. On one hand, I’ve been able to work on gathering things to get my website redone, starting a newsletter and taking a course. All good things that thrill me. On the other hand, I’ve been riding the ‘what if work never picks up again?’ rollercoaster which is ridiculous given that I’ve been a freelancer since 2009 and I’m well aware that I’ll be so busy again soon, I’ll be hankering for a day off.

So, there really is no excuse that I missed last week’s Poetry Friday and the opportunity to hop onto Mary Lee Hahn’s list of hosts for Poetry Friday (I’ve popped the date for the next round up into my diary – lesson learned) and am late with this week’s one.

So little to do, so little time to get it all done…

The Dirigible Balloon

One of my critique partners mentioned The Dirigible Balloon to me in April. I thought the idea was wonderful, and then life intervened and I forgot all about it until this week when it came up in a chat with a friend. The Dirigible Balloon, run by Jonathan Humble, is an original opportunity for writers of children’s poetry to showcase their work, and for children to have access to poetry.

Jonathan Humble says, “The Dirigible Balloon is a webzine featuring poetry written for children by both new and established poets which I hope will be seen by kids in schools and also appreciated by the writing community as a whole.”

There’s also an anthology of poems from contributors called Chasing Clouds. Profits of the sales for the collection go to the National Literacy Trust.

Dawn Chorus

I sent in a poem called Dawn Chorus which was accepted and went up the same day. Then I added an audio file, requested by Jonathan, of myself reading it. Fun! It’s just the type of thing that makes this word nerd thrum.

That’s it for me. Down time is calling.

Michelle Kogan is hosting Poetry Friday this week on her blog.

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9 Responses to “The Dirigible Balloon – Poetry for Kids”

  1. Carol Varsalona

    Lou, I am glad that you joined in today. I am feeling the pressure of time also. Dawn Chorus is a wonderful poem for children but I enjoyed it as an adult. Congratulations! Have a great weekend.

  2. Linda Mitchell

    Wow! Congrats. Such a fun poem…and now for all of us to share. What a beautiful post.

    • lou.piccolo

      From what I understand, Jonathan Humble is taking a little break for a month, I think, and then it’s full speed ahead in the balloon again. Submit something!

  3. Michelle Kogan

    Love your poem, “Dawn Chorus” Lou and your reading made me smile, so many just right bird sounds in there, I bet the birds would like it too, thanks!

    • lou.piccolo

      I’m happy you like it, Michelle. Perhaps I should take it outside and read to them? 😉