If children ruled the world, I think
Each day could be such fun.
Hard work would be just thrown away
And we’d play out in the sun.
Playgrounds would be packed with kids -
The swimming pools as well -
And we’d wish the things we didn’t like
A very fond farewell.
If children ruled this world of ours,
The rush for school would go
And parents would not be allowed
To use the word of “no”.
The clocks would stop forever
For there’d be no “time for bed.”
Then you could play for evermore -
Oh, much more fun instead.
If children governed what we did,
There’d be Christmas every day:
Christmas presents, lots of food
And so much time to play.
Then all day long we’d watch TV
And choose the things we’d eat
And nobody could ever say:
“You can’t have any sweets.”
Now, children, have you really thought
How all this could be done?
Who’d make the sweeties that you’d eat,
If we all were having fun?
Who’d make your play equipment
And who’d build the swimming pools?
And what would all your teachers do
If they couldn’t go to school?
Then who would grow the food you eat
And who would make your clothes?
They’d not appear by magic - well
If that’s what you suppose.
You couldn’t watch the tele
If the programmes were not there
And a life that isn’t purposeful
Is one full of despair.
Perhaps you’d like your special isle
That you could rule instead.
You’d have to search for food to eat
And then hunt for a bed.
With no mother, father, grandparents
And teachers to say: “No”
I think you’d think of all you’d lost
And prefer the world you know.
Copyright on all my poems
IF CHILDREN RULED THE WORLD: Some interesting information for those who seem to love this poem so much: This was one of almost 400 poems which was chosen for publication by teachers and children in a 9 month market-research survey by my publisher in 2010 and it was published in my "Josie's Poems: Reflections" book. Unfortunately this book is no longer available and the publisher has retired and sold his business to people who don't publish poetry. Secondly, this is the poem that most of all by a long way people visit on my website. During the last year there were 1,371 visits to this page, according to Google Analytics, and people from 188 countries visited my main website. Perhaps your children might like to perform it and you could film the performance and I'll link to it. Or perhaps your children might like to illustrate this poem - or do you like the Queen and myself, both British ladies? Josie