Forbidden Poem

This poem is not for children.
Keep out!
There is a big oak door
in front of this poem.
It’s locked.
And on the door is a notice
in big red letters.
It says: Any child who enters here
will never be the same again.
WARNING. KEEP OUT.

But what’s this?
A key in a keyhole.
And what’s more,
nobody’s about.

“Go on. Look,”
says a little voice
inside your head.
“Surely a poem
cannot strike you dead?”

You turn the key.
The door swings wide.
And then you witness
what’s inside.

And from that day
you’ll try in vain.
You’ll never be the same again.

Copyright: from Plum (Barn Owl Books 1998), © Tony Mitton 1998, used by permission of David Higham Associates Ltd on behalf of the author

More about this poem

Tony reads his poems in a thoughtful, careful way. Listen to the two poems about growing, and hear how he makes the poem grow with his voice.

Learn more
Glossary
Age Groups

Explore Similar Poems

Also by Tony Mitton

By Tags

Close