Welcome

Hi, my name is Alys Jackson and I'm an author and poet

based in Adelaide, South Australia.

My work has been published in books, magazines,

anthologies and online.

rosalie's swing

Rosalie’s Swing

Rosalie’s swing is

worn and rusted

with paint all peeling,

and both bars busted.

Old and forgotten,

its seats too rotten

to swing in,

swing in,

swing.

But

under

the swing

live snails

and a slug

and a red-bellied bug

in a home so snug

that

Rosalie’s swing

all worn and rusted

with paint all peeling

and both legs busted,

old and rotten,

is NOT forgotten,

though better not to

swing in,

swing in,

swing.

How would you like to try writing a poem that’s also a picture? Download the activity sheet below. If you’re a member of Children’s University, this activity is worth 30 minutes in your Passport to Learning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 thoughts on “Rosalie’s Swing”

  1. Dear Alys,
    Great job in this poem. This poem was really realistic and I liked the way you put a few words on each row. Why did you do that in the first place.

    P.s Did you know that my friends sisters name is Rosalie.

    Kind regards Tirath.

    • Hi Tirath. I wrote the poem so that it looked like and sounded like a swing. That’s why I put only a few words on each row. It makes the reader take a breath and pause. I was hoping this would feel a little like swinging. I hope this makes sense Alys

  2. Dear Alys,

    I liked the very Poem very much and I liked how you wrote a few words for each row so you could make it more easier.

    Good job

    Ranulaka

  3. Hi Alys ,
    I really enjoyed that poem !!!!!
    I really like the alteration used in the poem. It also had some rhyming . I love how you used
    all these kinds of techniques in this poem.Where did you get the name Rosalie? It is a really
    beautiful name!
    from Thinara

    • Hi Thinara. I met a girl called Rosalie at one of my workshops and she asked me to write a poem for her. And so I did. I’m glad you liked the techniques I use. It’s fun to try out different styles of poetry and language styles. Great comments, by the way!! Alys

  4. There is a great sense of rhythm throughout this poem and it really enforces the quote ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ It shows that even though Rosalie’s swing is no longer used by her, the bugs underneath it use it as a place they value, their home. I felt that this poem was quite meaningful and that it has many layers beneath the surface. It is definitely a poem to reread until it’s true meaning is found. This is one of my favourite poems by far. Good job!

    • Hi Chomilka, so sorry this reply is late. I have been running around doing Christmas things!! I love your comments about Rosalie’s Swing – you have picked the perfect quote to explain what I was trying to convey. Even trash has value and can become a home to small creatures. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I will try to write a couple more soon. Alys 😊😊

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