Short Stories by NZ Children's Authors: Jean Bennett - Kids

I'm leaving home by Jean Bennett

"Nobody cares" I'm leaving home!
Nobody loves me,
nobody cares.
Whenever I speak
nobody hears.

"Tidy your room" I've had enough!
'Tidy your room,
pick up your books,
hang all your clothes
up on their hooks.'

I'll go to Aunt Jane's.
She doesn't say
'Be patient – just wait'
or make me eat greens
and things that I hate.

I'll pack my bags now
What shall I take?
Can't forget Ted
nor the grey mouse
that's under my bed.

Leaving home I don't know the way,
it's dark out there.
What's that strange sound?
Perhaps it's a ghost
or a savage bloodhound.

Well,
I'll give them a chance
to be kind to me.
I think I'll stay home
with my family.

What did you think of this story?

A selection of your comments will be posted on the web site from time to time.

I love the way how it ryhmes and it is a fabulous poem: Alexandra, 9 years old
I think it was really cool, and I liked the rhyming words.: Woo, 11.
How did you think of that?: Becky, 11.
I thought it was cool and I like the good words.: Stevie, 11.
I really like the poem and it is unhappy when people always growl at you.: Loisi, 12.
I liked it.: Oscar, 10.
I thought it was great for children like me. All poems should be as good as that one!!!!!!!!: Harriet 9 3/4
So true, I am going to leave home.: Clara, 10
it was cool as the best read of my life so far.: Caleb, 10
It was cool. Great for people to read. You are a really good writer.: Lexi, 10
Very, very good. I like the ending, how he decided to stay home. It's not every day you want to run away, and when I try, I usually go back home after a few steps.: Leina-Marie, 11.
A good one for all ages and I love it!!: Steven, 11.