Beware of the Garden Shed

by Rosie Peters
^{(creative writers at www.morewriting.co.uk)}
There's a dangerous place that Dad keeps locked
And it's called the garden shed.
If I got in there to play
Mum says I'd be sent to bed.

She says it's not just in the house
Where there's things that cut or spill.
Anywhere grown ups keep their things
Could cause pain or make me ill.

Dad has chemicals in the shed
All stored in rows on racks.
Things for stopping garden pests
Are in bottles, sprays and packs.

Stuff is there to make plants strong
And keep grass green and thick
If I ever touched some
I could get very sick.

Mum often says don't go there
If she sees me near the shed
Cos of tools like, knives and saws
An accident she does dread.

Big forks, spades and rakes are there
And a pole with spikes and wheel.
All these things could cause me harm
And hurt and make me squeal.

There's certainly some dirt around
Among the pots and canes,
Compost spilt upon the floor
And some liquid for the drains.

What mum and dad don't seem to know
I'm scared of the garden shed.
It's not because of tools and sprays
There's something else I dread.

There could be a wild animal
Like a mouse or great big rat
I know some like to live in sheds
So I'm keeping out, that's that.

Accidents may take place in any room in the home or in garages, sheds and outbuildings. The purpose of the poem is to educate the child in a fun way of some of the dangers. The poem should trigger further discussion and perhaps a guessing game as to the risks that are in other areas of the home and garden. Children need to know that there are things that adults need to use that should never be touched by a child.