Target

Aim higher than the clod of mud,
the thud in earth that’s swallowed up,
the belly of a rusted can,
the clang of tin, unbalancing,
snails that cling to low flint walls,
the cracking of a hollow shell,
the plum upon a neighbour’s tree,
a hush disturbed within its leaves,
and higher still than startled crows,
slanted attic windows, rows
of chimney stacks, church spires,
tower blocks. Aim higher.
Set sight between the blazing past
and unlit future of a star.
Aim now.

Copyright: from The Language of Cat and Other Poems (Frances Lincoln, 2011), © Rachel Rooney 2011, used by permission of the author and the publisher

More about this poem

Among Rachel Rooney’s poems you’ll find riddles and puzzles, strange stories, characters from fairy tales – and some very funny ideas. ...

Learn more
Glossary
Age Groups

About Target

When you are listening to this poem, imagine you are holding a catapult, or a bow and arrow.

Explore Similar Poems

Also by Rachel Rooney

By Tags

Featured in the Archive

Close