What is Red?

Mary O’Neill

Red is a sunset

Blazing and bright

Red is feeling brave

With all your might.

Red is a sunburn

Spot on your nose.

Sometimes red

Is a red red rose

Red squiggles out

When you cut your hand.

Red is a brick

And the sound of a band.

Red is hotness

You get inside

When you’re embarrassed

And want to hide.

Fire-cracker, fire-engine

Fire-flicker red-

And when you’re angry

Red runs through your head.

Red is an Indian,

A Valentine heart.

The trimmings on

A circus cart.

Red is a lipstick

Red is a shout

Red is a signal

That says: “Watch out!”

Red is a great big

Rubber ball.

Red is the giantest

Colour of all.

Red is a show-off,

No doubt about it –

But can you imagine

Living without it