Children’s poetry – a world of rhymes, exquisite rhythms and fantastical characters

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc. 

The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD. 

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In our sixth episode we look at Children’s Poetry. This proves to be a fascinating journey with some wonderful rhymes and rhythms, but it also takes us to some dark places that we didn’t fully anticipate. On our way we hear a wonderful recording of a very young David Tredinnick tackling A A Milne, an unlikely connection to the Doobie Brothers and even, a slightly unwelcome, brush with Syphilis. ‘So were going on a Bear hunt, it’s going to be big one, be we’re not scared…. or at least Colleen and Peter aren’t, Dave conversely….

Hobson’s Choice returns with an interview with young brother Miles and Albert who read some of their favourite children’s poems

Poems and Lyrics discussed in this episode:

Otto The Loyal Long Dog Book by Lizzie Walkley

Jack and Jill - Wikipedia

Little Boy Blue by Eugene Field

Disobedience by A. A. Milne

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat by Edward Lear

Wynken, Blynken and Nod by The Doobie Brothers

Sunday Morning Coming Down lyrics by Kris Kristofferson

Magic by Miles Kendall Thompson

You may not believe in magic

you may believe fairies aren't real

but if Santa didn't exist

then presents wouldn't have a deal!

If the easter bunny was a myth

the world wouldn't have chocolate eggs!

you wouldn't run outside

with excitement in your legs!

If the tooth fairy wasn’t so real

you wouldn’t want to lose your teeth

you wouldn’t want adult ones

hiding underneath

So, let's say together

"I believe in them now!"

magic happens to those who trust

and you don't need to know how!

We would like to hear from you! 

As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you! 

If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on ljacpoetry@gmail.com. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. 

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Credits: 

Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy 

Original music composed by local Altona residents, Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price. 

'Hobsons Choice' Guest: Albert and Miles

Podcast Coordinator: Zoe Jones 

Editor: David Tredinnick

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Announcements: 

We were saddened this week to hear of the passing of the great Kris Kristofferson, who we regard as one of the great lyrical poets of country, or indeed, any music. We pay a bit of a homage to him by reading the lyrics of his fabulous song, Sunday Morning Coming Down. Certainly not Children’s Poetry but magnificent, nonetheless.

The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 18 October. Come along if you love talking poetry.  

Email ljacpoetry@gmail.com to register your interest. 

Full Spring program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here: 2024 Spring Program

This will be the second last Louis Joel Poetry Podcast for 2024 as we take a break in December and January 2025. We will return in 2025, and the pod will then be available on Spotify and Apple.

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This Podcast has been supported by: 

Louis Joel Arts and Community 

5 Sargood Street, Altona 

admin@ljac.com.au