The majority of this poem was originally written for my nephews, Reuben and Micah, when they were just little boys. I wrote them a poem called “Two Peas In A Pod” and created a personalised picture book to go along with it. They had great fun seeing images of themselves mixed in with circus animals and superhero capes!
Years later, I felt inspired to rework this old poem and add different verses to it for a couple of children’s concerts I had been asked to perform in. I knew that the audience would be a mixture of children ranging from the very young to teenagers, so I wanted to work in a variety of career options with a bit of “Gen-Z” chat thrown in for good measure!
I love to encourage young ones to dream big and use their imagination, but most of all, I love to bring the focus onto the One who created each of us and has unique plans for our lives. I pray this colourful and playful poem can be shared with young generations for many years to come!
“What do you think you will be when you’re older?”Years later, I felt inspired to rework this old poem and add different verses to it for a couple of children’s concerts I had been asked to perform in. I knew that the audience would be a mixture of children ranging from the very young to teenagers, so I wanted to work in a variety of career options with a bit of “Gen-Z” chat thrown in for good measure!
I love to encourage young ones to dream big and use their imagination, but most of all, I love to bring the focus onto the One who created each of us and has unique plans for our lives. I pray this colourful and playful poem can be shared with young generations for many years to come!
A question that adults often ask you.
I know I’ll be me, for that’s pretty certain.
And when I am bigger, there's lots I can do!
When I grow up, I'll drive a big tractor!
With tires so huge they'll be taller than me!
I'll chug through the fields with a sturdy front-loader.
I'll leave many tracks in the soil to see.
I'll work on a farm and drive a big baler!
A hefty machine to pack barrels of hay.
I'll scoop, and I'll plough, and I'll be oh so happy,
Bouncing away in my tractor each day!
When I grow up, I'm thinking perhaps
A circus performer is what I will be!
With lions and monkeys and clowns with red noses.
We'll put on a wonderful show; all can see!
I'll wear a red coat with shiny gold buttons.
And fancy black boots with a matching top hat.
"I'm Marvellous Maestro! The greatest Ringmaster!"
A life in the Circus! Now how about that?
Or when I grow up, I think I'll fight fire!
A brave firefighter could well be my role.
I'll always be ready and wait for the siren.
Then slip on my wellies and slide down the pole!
I'll drive a red truck with a ladder and hosepipe.
And help those in trouble whenever they shout.
I'll climb up the ladder to rescue the people,
And spray lots of water 'til flames are put out!
Maybe, perhaps, I might be a dancer!
I’ll twirl in my tutu under the lights.
I’ll move to the music and wow them with high kicks!
I’ll dance on my tiptoes in snazzy pink tights!
Or maybe I might be a chef or a baker!
I’ll decorate cakes that all taste divine.
I’ll slather the icing and fling on some sprinkles!
People will come to my shop all the time!
When I grow up, I'll be a race driver!
I'll speed round the race track of Formula One.
I'll wear a crash helmet and gloves for protection.
I'll paint on the front of my car, number 1!
I'll rev up the engine and shoot from the start line!
They cannot get past me; I'll give them no room!
I'll steer with the wheel as I screech round the corners,
And over the finish, in first place I'll zoom!
Or when I grow up, I'll be an explorer!
I'll search the Savannah for animals rare!
I might see giraffes or hippos or zebras.
Or lots of strange lizards and birds that live there.
I'll go on safari and look out for cheetahs!
I'll hide in the bushes and peek through the leaves.
Perhaps I'll discover exciting new insects,
While making my way through the rainforest trees!
Or maybe, perhaps, I might be a pirate!
A parrot will sit on my shoulder all day.
I’ll shout "Drop the anchor!" and "Ooh arr me hearties!"
And other fine phrases that all pirates say!
I’ll have a big sword and grow lots of stubble.
I’ll hoist up the sails so we catch the sea breeze.
I’ll captain the ship and employ lots of crewmen.
I’ll have fine adventures while sailing the seas!
Perhaps I could be a real Super Hero!
They won't know it's me as I’ll wear a disguise.
I’ll put on my mask to cover my features,
And fly lightning fast as I soar through the skies!
I’ll fight against crime and look out for trouble.
I’ll rescue the people who shout in distress.
I’ll put on my cape and shout, "To the rescue!"
My "Superman" skills are bound to impress!
Or when I grow up, I might be a singer,
And play with a band as I stand centre stage!
Or maybe a plumber or smart electrician.
The sensible jobs that folk do at that age.
Or maybe I could be a fashion designer!
Creating the looks for the models to wear.
Or makeup tutorials could be my calling.
Or work in a salon and style people’s hair!
Or maybe I might be a content creator!
I’ll influence people with TikToks online.
I’ll make them all laugh with my great sense of humour!
I’ll get lots of “likes” with ideas that are mine.
Or, perhaps I might be a physician.
A doctor who helps and gives people a cure.
It’s giving, “Main character.” Even “brave-coded.”
I’d say, “Very mindful, very demure.”
An artist, a gymnast, perhaps a librarian;
Countless suggestions of things I could be!
The jobs I will do when I am much older,
Nobody knows yet; we'll just wait and see!
But when I grow up and when I am older,
Whatever my job, be it normal or odd,
I pray I can use all the skills Jesus gave me.
May they be used for the glory of God.
My life is so special, for I was created.
I’m gifted like no one’s been gifted before!
I’ll give my days over to Jesus, my Maker.
I’ll give Him my heart and watch my dreams soar!
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Colossians 3:23-24
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
