The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Willow Emerald Damselfly

Guardian of the willow trees
A shimmering emerald jewel,
Hovers in the summer breeze
Across the shallow pool.

Armoured in metallic green
Harmonious by nature,
Friendliest damsel ever seen,
The Woodland Peacemaker.

Slender body taking flight
Above the weeping willow,
Soaking up the sunlight,
Watch her flutter and glow.

Nestled in a crook of the bark,
The damselfly is laid to rest,
Listening to a tuneful skylark
Songs from a feathered guest.


Fun Fact:
Female willow emerald damselflies lay their eggs in the bark of willow trees. They have toothed jaws to help them cut through bark.

About the Writer


Josie De Falco

Josie grew up in a large Italian/English family near the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Childhood memories of the countryside is her main source of inspiration. Josie is an advocate for encouraging children to explore their imagination through nature. Her poems have been published in Little Thoughts Press, Parakeet Magazine, The Toy, Picture Perfect Poetry and the Dirigible Balloon’s upcoming anthology Sky Surfing: Adventures in a Poetry Balloon. Josie is often seen taking photos of the wildlife on her allotment.