When I Grow Up
When I’m a biologist I’ll go explore
And set up my camp on the vast ocean floor.
I’ll study the creatures found farthest from shore
And find a new species not heard of before.
Or if I’m an astronaut living in space
I’ll challenge an asteroid to a great race
To see who can reach the most faraway place
Beyond the last trace of the sun’s warm embrace.
Maybe a doctor’s the right job for me
Physicals, vaccines, and house-calls: all free!
To treat every symptom my top guarantee
The whole world will know I’m the doctor to see.
If only I knew which career I should pick-
Observing the ocean, or helping the sick?
Commanding a rocket that’s quicker than quick?
I guess I’ll keep studying—something will stick!
And set up my camp on the vast ocean floor.
I’ll study the creatures found farthest from shore
And find a new species not heard of before.
Or if I’m an astronaut living in space
I’ll challenge an asteroid to a great race
To see who can reach the most faraway place
Beyond the last trace of the sun’s warm embrace.
Maybe a doctor’s the right job for me
Physicals, vaccines, and house-calls: all free!
To treat every symptom my top guarantee
The whole world will know I’m the doctor to see.
If only I knew which career I should pick-
Observing the ocean, or helping the sick?
Commanding a rocket that’s quicker than quick?
I guess I’ll keep studying—something will stick!
This poem is copyright (©) Julie Hauswirth 2024
About the Writer
Julie Hauswirth
Julie lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband and two sons. A former educator, she earned a BA in English from the University of Central Florida and a MEd in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. In addition to poetry, Julie writes picture books and enjoys participating as a member of SCBWI and 12x12 Picture Book Challenge. When she’s not writing, Julie can be found singing karaoke, cheering from the soccer field sidelines, or playing outside with her boys.
