Bertie and the Snow

Bertie woke up Sunday morning and to his great surprise
The ground was white and sparkling before his very eyes
He rushed to wake the bunnies as quick as he could hop
So that they could all see it before the snow began to stop
The bunnies were very excited and dashed outside to play
Laughing and excited that they had no school that day
They built a big snow rabbit and had a snowball fight
Then made some snow angels when it was getting night
Bessie called them in for supper and for a special treat
She had made a carrot stew and herby dumplings to eat
And when the meal was over the bit they liked the most
They sat beside the fire with pink marshmallows to toast

©Marian Barker

Bertie and the Badger

Bertie went out walking one evening after dark
He crossed the little river beside the local park
He wandered through the forest into a little dell
Where he met the badger he knew so very well
Badger was unhappy so asked Bertie to call by
There in the forest clearing badger began to cry
Bertie asked badger whatever had gone wrong
And just why he had invited him to come along
Badger started talking tears rolling down his face
Telling of awful things that happened in this place
Saying that his children had disappeared last night
Evil men had taken them away for sport and fight
His wife had put up a struggle to save her family
But sadly didn’t make it and died by yonder tree
Bertie was so saddened he knew not what to say
Knowing how he’d feel if his bunnies went away
He went back to his burrow with an aching heart
Praying that his little family would never ever part

©Marian Barker

Bertie Plays Santa

Now here’s a little secret
I’ve never told before
Deep inside Bertie’s burrow
There is a hidden door
Inside is Bertie’s workshop
Away from prying eyes
Where Bertie has spent hours
Making the bunnies a surprise
He started it at Easter
And not a day too soon
Because he only finished
When the earth eclipsed the moon
It started as a train set
And then just grew and grew
As he added trees and rivers
And lots of houses too
Bertie made each and every item
Carefully crafted in fine wood
And now on Christmas Eve
It’s looking rather good
So once the night has fallen
And the bunnies are asleep
Bertie dressed as Santa
To his workshop he will creep
And with the help of Bessie
Before a brand new dawn
The gift will be up and ready
In time for Christmas morn

©Marian Barker

Bunnies in Autumn

Bertie & Bessie took the Bunnies for a walk outside of town
An afternoon in the countryside to see the leaves fall down
They wrapped up warm and cosily all in their winter coats
Walking by the river where they saw some swans and boats
Travelling along a winding path and across a crooked stile
They saw a wooden signpost when they’d been gone a while
It pointed towards the forest the locals call “Badgers’ Wood”
Bertie said that they might see some if they were very good
Quickly they crossed a wooden footbridge all in a little row
The bunnies were a little worried to watch the river’s flow
Soon all were safely over and standing on the muddy track
Bessie said they could play ‘pooh sticks’ on their way back
They tiptoed into the forest like a little band of thieves
And soon were having lots of fun kicking up the leaves
Bessie then found a fallen tree and sat down for a while
Watching Bertie and the Bunnies always makes her smile
The triplets collected acorns and chestnuts by the score
The twins performed cartwheels across the forest floor
Bertie smiled at Bessie and Bessie smiled straight back
Then gathered the Bunnies together on the beaten track
The tired little family slowly walked back into town
From an afternoon in the forest seeing the leaves fall down

©Marian Barker

Bertie Bunny's Birthright

Bertie Bunny is very special
In fact he's quite unique
He likes to walk and talk
Instead of hop and squeak

His parents are two bloggers
Who simply met by chance
His Daddy lives in Wales
His Mummy lives in France

Today’s his Daddy’s birthday
So Bertie thought it would be nice
If Mummy wrote a special poem
She didn’t need asking twice

His Daddy is Mainbunny
His Mummy is La_spice
Mainbunny had an idea that
A bunny poem would be nice

So that’s how Bertie started
His life here in Bunnyland
He was a little accident
He wasn’t really planned

Before you start to gossip
No-one has been deceived
Because lovely Bertie Bunny
Was immaculately conceived

©Marian Barker

Bertie Went to Join the Theatre

Bertie had this inkling from a very early age
That when he was older he’d act upon the stage
So as the days got shorter and there wasn’t any sun
He thought he’d join the theatre and have a bit of fun
The village hall was buzzing with bunnies by the score
He nearly went straight home because he wasn’t very sure
But cousin Jasper was behind him and gave a little push
So Bertie found himself right in the middle of the crush
The bunny-in-charge said “Dahlinks, stop shoving at the back
There’s room for everyone so please cut me a bit of slack”
He called everybody “Lovie” and blew kisses in the air
And Bertie thought a silky kaftan was a funny thing to wear
He said his name was “Bunny” which Bertie thought was odd
He looked straight at his cousin and Jasper simply gave a nod
They both tiptoed to the doorway as quietly as could be
And hopped back home to Bertie’s house to have a cup of tea

©Marian Barker

Bertie Goes to the Zoo

Bertie thought it would be different
To take his family to the Zoo
To see the different animals
And be educational too
Bessie got the children ready
For this wonderful surprise
And when they saw the creatures
They couldn’t believe their eyes

They thought they saw a monster
Just as they turned the bend
Big and grey with enormous ears
And a tail at either end
Then they saw a creature
That simply did a wiggle
This one also had two tails
That met right in the middle

They saw the biggest pussy cats
That they had ever seen
The bunnies were relieved
That there was a moat between
Then in another bit of water
And lying just beneath
They saw a great big log
With great big snapping teeth

The bunnies soon got tired
For it had been a busy day
And on their way back home
They hadn’t much to say
Except that they were happy
And so very grateful too
That they lived in a nice burrow
And not in a great big zoo

©Marian Barker

Bertie Goes to London

Bertie went to London
He flew with Ryan Hare
Each took a little rucksack
With a change of clothes to wear
Bessie had made some sandwiches
For their lunch break on the way
And cousin Jasper gave them
The address of where to stay

They landed near the city
And then they took a bus
It all seemed very easy
And went without much fuss
They saw the landmark buildings
From way up in the sky
As they slowly went in a circle
Upon the London Eye

Next they ventured underground
In a great big rabbit warren
That wasn’t like the ones at home
It all felt strange and foreign
The walls were lined with pictures
And the stairs moved up and down
With the noisiest machinery
Beneath old London town

Bertie didn’t like this place
And couldn’t wait to leave
But Ryan Hare said “Come on
I have something up my sleeve”
They exited the underground
As it was getting dark
There they saw a signpost
Saying “This Way to the Park”
And there in front of Bertie
He couldn’t believe his eyes
Were scores and scores of rabbits
All shouting “Surprise, surprise”

Bertie and Ryan had a great time
And partied through the night
Before leaving early morning
To catch their homeward flight

©Marian Barker

Bertie at the Fair

Bertie’s Bunnies were excited
They kept jumping up and down
Because a travelling fairground
Had arrived in Bunnytown
The Bunnies ate their breakfast
And then went to the green
Where they found a Ferris wheel
The first they’d ever seen
They climbed into a carriage
That then went round and round
Taking Bertie and the Bunnies
High up off the ground
They then rode on a carousel
With horses brightly painted
They galloped up and down
And Bessie nearly fainted
Next they found some sideshows
And a funny coconut shy
With lots of lovely prizes
So Bertie had to have a try
He threw three wooden balls
But each one failed to score
The Bunnies laughed out loud
As they landed on the floor
Then they all tried candy floss
The Bunnies weren’t impressed
As the fluffy pink confection
Stuck on each face and chest
They laughed at Bertie’s whiskers
All pink and very funny
Then they yawned in unison
Each one a sleepy bunny
The youngest climbed on Bertie’s back
As off up the road they went
Such a very happy family
Each and everyone content

©Marian Barker

Bertie Joins a Choir

Bertie thought he needed a new hobby to keep him occupied
He wasn’t quite sure what to do - it was so hard to decide
Mr Owl who lived next door said “Why not join our choir?
I sing bass but, at a guess, I would say that you sing higher”

Bertie had a little think and said he’d have a go
He used to sing at school but that was very long ago
So early Friday evening he went along to sing
With Owl’s group of singers beside the fairy ring

The conductor was a hedgehog with a baton in his hand
With a family of field mice making up a lovely band
The choir was an assortment of creatures great and small
Bertie felt extremely welcomed, he wasn’t scared at all

They started singing scales to warm up - that was fun
Then sang a rabbit medley starting “Run Rabbit Run”
“Doe, Ray, Me” and “Bright Eyes” then “The Bunny Hop”
Bertie sang his little heart out, he didn’t want to stop

He skipped home in the moonlight whilst owl flew on ahead
Then tiptoed quietly into his house as the bunnies were in bed
He softly hummed the melodies still playing in his head
Then made himself some supper of lightly toasted bread

He was such a happy bunny and was so glad he’d gone along
Next day he surprised Bessie and serenaded her with a song

©Marian Barker

Bank Holiday Bunnies

Bertie decided to take his family to the Beach
As a lovely seaside town was in easy reach
Each bunny carried a bucket and a little spade
Whilst Bessie took a parasol to give a bit of shade
They set off early morning with a packed up lunch
And trotted down the lanes, they were a happy bunch
At last they reached the seaside and the golden sand
Bessie said “It’s lovely” and Bertie said “Just grand”
The bunnies made a sand castle with turrets and a moat
Whilst Bessie read a story whilst sat on Bertie’s coat
Then shortly after lunch they had a paddle in the sea
Before hopping back to Bunny Town just in time for tea

©Marian Barker

Bertie’s Dancing Lesson

Bertie needed a new hobby so he thought he’d take a chance
And enrolled at a local dance school so he could learn to dance
He was feeling very nervous as he’d two left bunny feet
But the teacher was so very kind, the nicest you could meet
First he tried the Rabbit Trot and then the Bunny Hop
The hour passed so quickly that he didn’t want to stop
The teacher said he was a perfect pupil, Bertie gave a smile
She told him lots of practice would make it all worthwhile
He left the class so happy and hopped along the street
Determined some day soon he’d sweep Bessie off her feet

©Marian Barker

Bertie and the Wedding Invitation

Bertie got an invitation to a wedding in the post
On very special stationery from a very special host
It came in a gold envelope with lots of sealing wax
He thought it was a summons for some unpaid tax
He opened it so carefully with a shaky bunny paw
And read the invite then quickly dropped his jaw
Barely believing what it said so had a second glance
And it was meant for Bertie or a big mistake perchance
But there in big gold letters in copperplate of course
Beneath a family crest with a lion, unicorn and horse
“Mr & Mrs Bunny are invited to attend”~ so far so good
“A very special wedding next week in Bluebell Wood”
Bertie shouted out to Bessie who was in the other room
That his lovely niece Angora had found herself a groom
Bessie read the invitation and frowned a little frown
“The invite says “formal” and I haven’t got a gown”
Bertie told her not to worry and put on his thinking cap
Then he had a bright idea ~ he’s such a clever chap
He said “wear your wedding dress and with a little cash
We’ll buy some pretty ribbon to tie round it as a sash”
Bessie tried her dress on and Bertie smiled with pride
As he clearly remembered the day she was his bride
So off they went to Bluebell Wood smiling all the way
Just as much in love and happy as on their wedding day

©Marian Barker

Bertie the Easter Bunny

Bertie woke up extra early and tiptoed from his house
Creeping very, very slowly and as quiet as a mouse
This wasn’t very easy with his bunny rabbit legs
And carrying a basket of pretty coloured eggs
He went into this garden and gently as you please
Hid the eggs in flowerpots and underneath the trees
He put some in the window box and others on the grass
So that his little bunnies would spot them as they pass
And when his task was finished he hurried back inside
He smiled as he remembered what fun it was to hide

He put five little baskets on the table with a note
Sent by the Easter Bunny and this is what he wrote
“Dear little Bunnies, here’s a basket for each of you
So go out in the garden and see what you can do
Collect all the pretty eggs I’ve left for you to find
Being very, very careful that not one is left behind
When you’re sure you’ve finished, bring them back to here
Whoever has the most is the winner, I hope I’ve made it clear”
He signed it “Easter Bunny” then hopped back to his bed
With so many happy thoughts going round inside his head

Just as he was nodding off he heard that familiar sound
Of all his little children laughing and hopping all around
He went into the kitchen to find such a commotion
The atmosphere was magic and full of such emotion
The bunnies chose their baskets and quickly ran outside
Bertie and Bessie watched them as the door was open wide
They hurried and they scurried, gathering eggs galore
Before coming back exhausted in a heap upon the floor
Bessie helped them count the eggs ~ everyone had twenty
Each one got a prize, Bertie made sure that there was plenty
A chocolate egg for everyone including mum and dad
Everyone agreed it was the best time they’d ever had

©Marian Barker

Bertie in the Garden

Times are hard in Bunnyland so Bertie has a plan
To cultivate his garden and grow carrots if he can
He’s cleared a shady corner of all the tangled weeds
And been off to the market and bought a pack of seeds
He’s going to look on t’internet to see what’s next to do
Meanwhile the lovely Bessie has made him a nice hot brew
Bertie’s found a useful website called “Gardening BBC”
And is reading up on carrots whilst sipping on his tea
It says “carrots are nourishing and keep you fit and strong”
So growing some in your garden a bunny can’t go wrong
“Work the soil thoroughly. Remove all rocks and stones
Sow the seeds very deeply. Ignore your aching bones”
Bertie finishes his second cuppa and he smiles a little smile
He’s off to plant his carrot seeds and may be gone a while

©Marian Barker

Bertie in Space

Bertie climbed into the rocket
Just as it was getting dark
It wasn’t very comfortable
And very cold and stark
He wore brand new space suit
And really looked the part
He settled in the driving seat
With a rapidly beating heart
He waited for the countdown
Five, four, three, two, one
The huge space ship shook
And in a trice he was gone
He sped along the Milky Way
And marvelled at the view
As planets passed the windows
Some familiar and some new
Excitement grew each second
Bertie couldn’t believe his eyes
When suddenly he landed
With a bump, a big surprise
He scrambled to his feet
And quickly scratched his head
The spaceship ride was all a dream
And he’d just fallen out of bed

©Marian Barker

Bertie Joins a Band

Bertie wanted a new hobby
And thought it would be grand
If he could learn to play the drums
And join the local band
He bought a set on eBay
They arrived the other day
Along with some tuition books
And Bertie began to play
Bessie went into the kitchen
And shut herself within
She baked a batch of cookies
Whilst Bertie made a din
She heard the crashing cymbals
The tom-toms and the snare
The base drum and triangle
It didn’t stop just there
The kit came with a cowbell
A tambourine and chimes
And Bessie got a headache
The worse one of all times
So Bessie put her foot down
Like she’d never done before
And told Bertie that in future
He must close the study door
Bertie practiced every morning
Improving every passing day
Very soon he had a repertoire
Of things that he could play
He went along to band practice
Just to check some details out
“Welcome Bertie Bunny”
He heard everybody shout
“We hear that you’re a drummer
Please tell us that it’s right
Because we haven’t got one
So can you start tonight?”
Bertie clapped his hands together
And then he quickly smiled
Before he could answer “Yes”
The whole band went quite wild

©Marian Barker

Bertie’s Dream

It was a windy rainy Sunday
So the Bunnys stayed inside
Bessie did some baking
The little ones went to hide
Bertie settled in his armchair
With cushions soft and deep
And once he put his feet up
He went quickly off to sleep
He dreamt he was in paradise
Upon a beautiful white beach
With Bessie and the bunnies
All safe within easy reach
The sea was lovely turquoise
With the softest waves of white
Palm trees dipped their branches
It was such an awesome sight
Then Bertie heard some shouting
And was startled by the fuss
Of someone calling in the distance
“Daddy come and look for us”
His sleep was rudely interrupted
When he heard the voices shriek
So Bertie joined the kiddies
In their game of hide and seek

©Marian Barker

Bertie Goes to the City

Bertie went up to the city
To see what was the fuss
He left early in the morning
On the inter-city bus
He took a little rucksack
To carry on his back
With a lettuce for his lunch
And some carrots for a snack
He sat beside the driver
So he could look around
And watch the changing landscape
As they sped along the ground
They drove away from Bunnytown
And long the country lane
They passed the railway station
And Bertie saw a little train
As the bus went up a big hill
And down the other side
Bertie was so very happy
As he did enjoy the ride
The scenery began to change
And the trees got less and less
The fields turned into concrete
Bertie thought it looked a mess
The houses were packed together
The buildings were so tall
Bertie couldn’t see the sunshine
And he didn’t like that at all
They reached the city centre
And Bertie stepped into the street
It was dirty and so noisy
Everybody rushing off their feet
Bertie didn’t like it in the city
So he went to catch the train
To take him back to Bunnytown
And safely home again

©Marian Barker

Bertie the Hero

Bertie was in his garden
With his rolled up sleeves
Tidying the borders
And raking up the leaves
All the little bunnies
Were busy playing out
Somewhere in the distance
Bertie heard a little shout
Then someone came running
To where Bertie was stood
Saying somebody had fallen
Down a pothole in the wood
Bertie quickly gathered up
Some things he thought he’d need
And hurried into the forest
At his very fastest speed
A little crowd had collected
So he pushed them all aside
Then he took his flash lamp
And shone a light inside
At the bottom of the chasm
He spied a tiny form
So he threw a blanket down
To keep the casualty warm
And then he tied a rope
Quite securely to a tree
Before lowering himself down
As carefully as could be
He reached a little rabbit
Frightened but unharmed
Then brought her to the surface
Once he knew that she had calmed
Her parents declared Bertie a hero
And gave their little one a hug
Bertie blushed and then said quietly
“It was nothing” with a shrug
Bertie hopped back to his garden
And finished clearing off the path
Then took off his muddy boots
And went inside to have a bath

©Marian Barker