Kids Talk Daffodils

In 2001, children of the schools of Kerikeri District were invited to write a poem on the theme of Daffodils. The poems were to be submitted to Daffodil World, Kerikeri for reading during the annual Daffodil Day Celebrations, organised by the Kerikeri Lions Club in conjunction with Zonta to raise funds for Cancer. The 320 entries received totally overwhelmed and impressed the organisers. It was decided their beautiful poems about daffodils were too good not to share. A few of the many gems from the book are published here. The book is available for a donation from Auckland Division Cancer Society Domain Lodge Grafton Auckland. The cover mosaic by new entrant class Riverview Primary School Kerikeri. Printed by Top Print Kaitaia. Thanks to Pub Charities for funding.

A selection of poems:

Daffodils Bloom The sky is blue The grass is green But what are the golden flowers? Daffodils bloom Daffodils bloom Daffodils bloom every hour by Max Irving-Lamb, Riverview School Age: 6

Daffodils Small soldiers of brother sun, Standing tall in the face of winter cold. You move to the magical music of the wind Kowhai carpet, defying winter's chill. Triumphant trumpets heralding the new beginning. By David Middlemiss, Kerikeri High School Age: 13

SPRING AIR Spring is in the air Daffodils are everywhere All so colourful and bright Shining in the golden sun light Waving in the gentle breeze Attracting all the buzzy bees Yellow, orange, green and white They all make such a lovely sight Swaying, pretty and wild With their fragrance, mild All looking so gay In the fields they sway But cancer can kill So please buy a daffodil Because you can give hope And help families cope By Alana Fagan, Springbank School Age: 12

Daffodils He sits so lonely on the hill, Why, Oh why is his mother so ill ? Thoughts racing through his mind. She has always been so loving and kind. Suddenly he sees a glowing dot, He races down to that magical spot. Gold and yellow-colours that please. He sees ten thousand swaying in the breeze. Should he pick that single bloom, That could bring pleasure to his mother's room. He picks the bloom and rushes back, Before his mother wakes from her nap. He sees his mother's glorious smile It's made his efforts all worth while. So go and pick a daffodil, For someone who you know is ill. By Chantal Boon, Kerikeri High School Age: 11