Being Brave At Night

English Poems for kids

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“Being Brave At Night” is a great poem by poet Edgar Albert ‘Eddie’ Guest published in the book Rhymes Of Childhood (1924), a collection of children’s poems by Edgar A. Guest about home, childhood and family. It is a poem describing the deeper imagination of young children at bedtime when they waiting to fall asleep, all of their worry about invading giants, ghosts or elephants. It is also shows their trust, believe, and how safe they feel by just the presence of their parents with them at the time of nightmares.

The poem is a comforting and reassuring message to a child who may be scared of the darkness and the unknown. The speaker encourages the child not to be afraid, as the moon and stars will be there to protect and watch over them as they sleep. The poem suggests that even when we are faced with things that frighten us, there are always sources of comfort and protection that we can rely on. Overall, “Brave at Night” is a simple and heartfelt poem that speaks to the universal fear of the unknown and the power of hope and reassurance to overcome it.

“Being Brave At Night” Poem Lyrics

The other night ’bout two o’clock, or maybe it was three,
An elephant with shining tusks came chasing after me.
His trunk was wavin’ in the air an’ spoutin’ jets of steam
An’ he was out to eat me up, but still I didn’t scream
Or let him see that I was scared – a better thought I had,
I just escaped from where I was and crawled in bed with dad.

One time there was a giant who was horrible to see,
He had three heads and twenty arms, an’ he came after me
And red hot fire came from his mouths and every hand was red
And he declared he’d grind my bones and make them into bread.
But I was just too smart for him, I fooled him might bad,
Before his hands could collar me I crawled in bed with dad.

I ain’t scared of nothin that comes pesterin’ me at night.
Once I was chased by forty ghosts all shimmery an’ white.
An’ I just raced ’em round the room an’ let ’em think maybe
I’d have to stop an’ rest awhile, when they could capture me.
Then when they leapt onto my bed, Oh Gee! But they were mad
To find that I had slipped away an’ crawled in bed with dad.

No giants, ghosts or elephants have dared to come in there
‘Coz if they did he’d beat ’em up and chase ’em to their lair.
They just hang ’round the children’s rooms
an’ snap an’ snarl an’ bite
An’ laugh if they can make ’em yell
for help with all their might.
But I don’t ever yell out loud. I’m not that sort of lad,
I slip from out the covers and I crawl in bed with dad.

The poem is a meditation on bravery in the face of fear and uncertainty. The speaker describes how, as night falls and the day’s cares begin to weigh on us, even the bravest of hearts can feel timid and fearful. However, the truly brave are able to stand firm in the face of these fears, continuing to move forward with the knowledge that the stars will shine again and the sun will rise with a brighter flame.

The final stanza expresses the idea that a brave heart can overcome the darkness of the night and face the challenges of the new day with renewed courage and strength. Overall, “Brave at Night” is a simple and heartfelt poem that speaks to the universal fear of the unknown and the power of hope and reassurance to overcome it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) based on 'Being Brave At Night'

Question : Who was the poet of this poem ?

Answer : The poet of this poem was Edgar Albert.

Question : When “Being Brave At Night” was published ?

Answer : The “Being Brave At Night” was published in 1924.

Question : Where the poem was guest published ?

Answer : The poem was guest published in the book “Rhymes Of Childhood”.

Question : What the poet is describing in the poem ?

Answer : The poet is describing the deeper imagination and worries about giants and ghost of the child when they are going to sleep.

Question : What the poet is showing about the parents ?

Answer : The poet shows child’s trust, believe, and how safe they feel by just the presence of their parents with them at the time of nightmares.

Some more details based on 'Being Brave At Night'

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that there are times when one may feel scared or afraid, especially at night when darkness prevails. However, the speaker encourages the reader to be brave and face their fears head-on, rather than giving in to them. The poem emphasizes the importance of having courage in difficult situations, and the rewards that come with being brave.

One of the main themes of the poem is the importance of having a positive attitude in life. The speaker encourages readers to adopt a positive outlook, even in the face of difficult circumstances. The poem suggests that being brave is not just about physical strength, but also about having a strong mindset and a positive attitude.

Another key feature of the poem is its use of vivid imagery to convey its message. The poem describes the night as a place where “darkness settles like a cloak,” creating a sense of foreboding and unease. However, the poem also uses imagery to describe the rewards of being brave, such as the feeling of triumph and pride that comes with overcoming one’s fears.

One of the reasons for the poem’s enduring popularity is its universal message. The poem speaks to the human experience of fear and the need for courage in the face of adversity. This message resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a perennial favorite.

In terms of style, “Being Brave At Night” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict meter or rhyme scheme. Instead, the poem relies on repetition and imagery to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. This makes the poem more accessible to readers who may not be familiar with traditional poetic forms.

One of great feature of the poem is the way it uses contrast to create tension and build its message. The poem contrasts the darkness of night with the light of day, the fear of the unknown with the triumph of overcoming one’s fears. This creates a sense of drama and urgency that draws the reader in and makes the poem more impactful.

Some activities for children's based on 'Being Brave At Night'

Activity 1: Create a Courage Collage

Provide the children with magazines, newspapers, and other materials to create a collage that represents what it means to be brave.
Encourage the children to look for pictures and words that represent bravery, such as superheroes, firefighters, or soldiers.
Once everyone has finished their collages, have them share their work with the group and discuss what they learned about bravery.
Ask each child to explain why they chose the pictures or words in their collage, and how it represents bravery to them.

Note: This activity promotes creativity, fine motor skills, and critical thinking. It also encourages children to reflect on what bravery means to them.

Activity 2: Nighttime Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course in a darkened room, using objects like chairs, pillows, and blankets to create a maze for the children to navigate.
Ask the children to take turns completing the obstacle course while wearing a blindfold or with the lights turned off.
Encourage them to use their senses of touch, hearing, and smell to navigate the course safely.
Once everyone has had a turn, discuss how it felt to be brave in the dark and what strategies they used to overcome their fear.
Ask the children to share any tips they have for being brave at night, such as using a nightlight or asking for help when they feel scared.

Note: This activity promotes physical activity, sensory skills, and courage. It also helps children to face and overcome their fears in a safe and supportive environment.