Rolling In Time: a nostalgic poem about childhood and living in the moment

Four cartoon children roly-poly down a summer hill, beneath a tree.

Rolling In Time

Roly-poly back through space
Pick a second, pick a place

Trophy bruises, kingdoms lost
Kid-stones gathering no moss

Spinning, bouncing, sideways roll
Stain your clothes and stain your soul

Giggle tick and whooping tock
Always chiming Now O' Clock

Melting moments vaporise
Vanishing before your eyes

Hundreds more line up to start
March to life inside your heart

Hours drag, a week's a year
Your address is, 'Happy Here.'

In the detail, in the blink
Rolling first before you think

Rolling hills you loved to climb
Roly-poling back in time

©2009 Mark Bird

💡 Lesson Idea: Exploring Childhood Through Poetry

Students could read and analyse the poem Rolling In Time alongside another poem about childhood. They could discuss how vivid imagery, movement, and rhythm is used to capture the feeling of childhood memories. After analysing the poems' themes—such as time, playfulness, and nostalgia—students can write their own short poems reflecting on a childhood moment; a poem about childhood and living in the moment. They will focus on using sensory details, playful language, and rhyme or rhythm to bring their memories to life. This activity will help students connect personal experiences with poetic expression.