Poems About The Moon

Discover kid-friendly poems about the moon, sparking wonder and nighttime imagination.

Short Poems & Quotes    |     Poems For Kids    /   Poems About The Moon

By Catherine Pulsifer, Updated October 14, 2024


The moon's glow sparks wonder, guiding dreams through the night sky

The moon has always captured the imagination of children, sparking dreams of space adventures and far-off places. Its soft glow in the night sky invites curiosity and wonder, making it a favorite subject for bedtime stories and poems. These kid-friendly poems bring the magic of the moon to life, describing its beauty, phases, and the feelings it inspires as we look up and marvel at its presence.

From full moons lighting up the sky to crescents that seem to smile down at us, the moon’s ever-changing shape adds to its mystery and charm. These poems are perfect for young minds eager to explore the night sky, using their imagination to journey beyond the stars. Whether you're sharing these verses before bed or during a classroom reading, they'll bring a sense of awe and fun to every child's evening.

Table of Contents




    Fun and Playful Moon Poems

    These poems bring a sense of fun and joy as they explore the moon through playful and imaginative eyes.


  1. The Moon Is Shy!
    Poet: Althea Randolph


    The Moon looks down and smiles on me.
    When I'm in bed;
    I throw a good-night kiss to her.
    Far-overhead.
    She hides her face behind a cloud on high, —
    I think the Moon is shy, so very shy!

    She comes out only in the dark, —
    I wonder why?
    She never shines when it is day.
    Up in the sky!
    Perhaps she does not like the Sun, and
    She stays away until she sees him go!

    She seems quite friendly with the Stars,
    As they pass by;
    For I have seen her beam on them
    When they are nigh;
    So I am sure if she just once would try.
    She'd learn to love the Sun as much as I!



  2. The Crescent Moon
    Poet: Amy Lowell


    Supping softly through the sky
    Little homed, happy moon.
    Can you hear me up so high?
    Will you come down soon?

    On my nursery window-sill
    Will you stay your steady flight?
    And then float away with me
    Through the summer night?

    Brushing over tops of trees.
    Playing hide and seek with stars.
    Peeping up through shiny clouds
    At Jupiter or Mars.

    I shall fill my lap with roses
    Gathered in the milky way.
    All to carry home to mother.
    Oh! what will she say!

    Little rocking, sailing moon.
    Do you hear me shout - Ahoy!
    Just a little nearer, moon.
    To please a little boy.



  3. Baby Moon
    Poet: Althea Randolph


    The Moon rocks gently to and fro.
    Safe in her silvery bed;
    And every night the Stars keep watch
    Above her pretty head.

    In day-time when their lights go out,
    The Stars have shut their eyes;
    Does little Baby Moon go then
    To sleep in other skies?



  4. The Moon rocks gently to and fro. Safe in her silvery bed
    Moon Quotes


  5. The Funny Moon
    Poet: Althea Randolph


    The Man in the Moon
    Comes up from the sea.
    He winks, and he blinks.
    And smiles down on me!
    He's jolly, and big.
    And rosy, and fat,
    The funniest thing
    I ever looked at!
    And as on his way
    The higher he goes,
    The paler he gets
    And the smaller he grows!


  6. Related: Poems About The Sky

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    Moon and Nature

    Discover poems that reflect on the moon's beauty as part of the natural world, highlighting its relationship with stars, seasons, and landscapes.


  7. A Special Moon
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer


    In the autumn sky, a special moon does rise,
    The Harvest Moon, a sight that fills our eyes.
    Its golden beams illuminate the land,
    As farmers work with harvest tools in hand.

    With its early rise, it lends a helping light,
    Extending time for crops, a helpful sight.
    The fields are bathed in its soft, gentle glow,
    As nature's bounty begins to overflow.

    The Harvest Moon brings joy and cheer,
    A symbol of abundance, oh so clear.
    It reminds us to be grateful for what we sow,
    And appreciate the harvest's overflow.

    So, let's dance and sing beneath this moon so bright,
    Embrace the season with all our might.
    For the Harvest Moon brings blessings untold,
    A time of harvest, a season of gold.



  8. The Moon Has A Face
    Poet: Robert Louis Stevenson


    The moon has a face like the clock in the hall;
    She shines on thieves on the garden wall,
    On streets and fields and harbour quays,
    And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees.

    The squalling cat and the squeaking mouse,
    The howling dog by the door of the house,
    The bat that lies in bed at noon,
    All love to be out by the light of the moon.

    But all of the things that belong to the day
    Cuddle to sleep to be out of her way;
    And flowers and children close their eyes
    Till up in the morning the sun shall arise.



  9. The moon has a face like the clock in the hall
    Sky Quotes



  10. Evening Moon
    Poet: Paul Laurence Dunbar

    The moon begins her stately ride
    Across the summer sky;
    The happy wavelets lash the shore,
    The tide is rising high.

    Beneath some friendly blade of grass
    The lazy beetle cowers;
    The coffers of the air are filled
    With offerings from the flowers.

    And slowly buzzing o’er my head
    A swallow wings her flight;
    I hear the weary plowman sing
    As falls the restful night.



  11. Smiles On The Night
    Poet: William Blake


    The sun descending in the west,
    The evening star doth shine;
    The birds are silent in their nest,
    And I must seek for mine.
    The moon like a flower
    In heaven’s high bower,
    With silent delight
    Sits and smiles on the night.


  12. Related: Harvest Moon Poems

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    The Moon and Imagination

    Let your imagination soar with these whimsical poems that take children on moonlit adventures through the sky and beyond.


  13. Look At The Moon
    Poet: Phoebee Cary


    And who knows how a life at the last may show!
    Why look at the moon from where we stand!
    Opaque — uneven, you say: yet it shines,
    A luminous sphere, complete and grand!

    So let my past stand, just as it stands.
    And let me now, as I may, grow old;
    I am what I am, and my life for me
    Is the best, or it had not been, I hold.



  14. Lady Moon
    Poet: Unknown


    Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving
    Over the sea.
    Lady Moon, Lady Moon, whom are you loving
    All that love me.

    Are you not tired with rolling, and never
    Resting to sleep?
    Why look so pale, and so sad, as forever
    Wishing to weep?

    Ask me not this, little child, if you love me:
    You are too bold.
    I must obey the dear Father above me,
    And do as I’m told.

    Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving
    Over the sea.
    Lady Moon, Lady Moon, whom are you loving
    All that love me.



  15. Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving Over the sea.
    Ocean Poems


  16. The Bridge
    Poet: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


    I stood on the bridge at midnight
    As the clocks were striking the hour,
    And the moon rose o'er the city.
    Behind the dark church-tower.

    I saw her bright reflection
    In the waters under me,
    Like a golden goblet falling
    And sinking into the sea.

    And far in the hazy distance
    Of that lovely night in June,
    The blaze of the flaming furnace
    Gleamed redder than the moon.

    The moon and its broken reflection
    And its shadows shall appear,
    As the symbol of love in heaven,
    And its wavering image here.



  17. Same Dear Moon
    by Emilie Poulsson


    The moon, whose light
    Makes beautiful the silent night:
    Sometimes a crescent, thin and clear,
    Sometimes a big, round, silver sphere;
    But whether round, or like a bow,
    It is the same dear moon, we know.


  18. Related: Poems About Stars

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    Reflective Moon Poems

    These thoughtful poems encourage readers to pause and reflect on the moon's deeper meanings and its symbolic presence in the night sky.


  19. O Moon
    Poet: Jean Ingelow


    O moon, in the night I've seen you sailing,
    And shining so round and low;
    You were bright, ah bright, but your light is failing;
    You are nothing now but a bow.

    You moon! have you done something wrong in heaven,
    That God has hidden your face?
    I hope if you have, you will be forgiven,
    And shine again in your place.



  20. Oh, Look At The Moon
    Poet: Unknown


    Oh, look at the moon!
    She is shining up there;
    Oh mother, she looks
    Like a lamp in the air.
    Last week she was smaller,
    And shaped like a bow;
    But now she’s grown bigger,
    And round as an O.

    Pretty moon, pretty moon,
    How you shine on the door,
    And make it all bright
    On my nursery floor.

    You shine on my playthings,
    And show me their place,
    And I love to look up
    At your bright pretty face.



  21. Oh, look at the moon! She is shining up there; Oh mother, she looks Like a lamp in the air.
    Sunshine Poems


  22. The Moon Was A-Waning
    Poet: James Hogg


    The moon was a-waning;
    The tempest was over;
    Fair was the maiden,
    And fond was the lover;
    But the snow was so deep
    That his heart it grew weary;
    And he sunk down to sleep,
    In the moorland so dreary.

    Soft was the bed
    She had made for her lover,
    White were the sheets
    And embroidered the cover;
    But his sheets are more white,
    And his canopy grander;
    And sounder he sleeps
    Where the hill foxes wander.

    Alas, pretty maiden.
    What sorrows attend you!
    I see you sit shivering,
    With lights at your window;
    But long may you wait
    Ere your arms shall enclose him;
    For still, still he lies,
    With a wreath on his bosom!


  23. Related: Poems About Night

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    Lessons from the Moon

    Poems that share lessons about the moon, teaching children through playful comparisons and stories.


  24. There's More To Learn
    Poet: Althea Randolph


    Oh, moon up high, so bright and round,
    You teach us lessons all around.
    When you’re a crescent, thin and small,
    You show us how to stand up tall.

    Like the moon that shines both night and day,
    We learn to light up in our own way.
    In shadows deep, you still stay near,
    Reminding us not to live in fear.

    When you change your face from dark to bright,
    You show us change is part of the night.
    So let’s embrace each twist and turn,
    From every phase, there’s more to learn!



  25. When you change your face from dark to bright, You show us change is part of the night.
    Good Night Poems


  26. The Selfish Moon
    Poet: Althea Randolph


    Sleeping, sleeping, all the day,
    Never watching children play;
    Opening your eyes to peep,
    When it's time to go to sleep;

    Naughty Moon, you are so bad.
    No wonder that your face is sad.
    Only giving out your light,
    In the middle of the night.

    Now, it's diff'rent with the Sun,
    He seems to have a lot of fun.
    Getting up on every day.
    Just to make the world look gay.

    He's not selfish, like you. Moon,
    Sleeping all the time at noon;
    Just suppose he did that, too.
    What would everybody do?


  27. Related: Poems About Stars

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    Key Reflections in these Poems About The Moon:
    • The Moon’s Gentle and Mysterious Presence - The moon is portrayed as a quiet, almost elusive figure, often appearing shy or distant, yet maintaining a captivating presence in the night sky.


    • A Symbol of Companionship and Comfort - The moon provides a sense of connection with the stars and the night, serving as a constant companion that offers light, guidance, and a soothing presence in the darkness.


    • A Representation of Change and Growth - The moon’s phases reflect the inevitability of change, teaching lessons about embracing life's transitions, with each phase offering a new perspective and experience.


More Poems For Kids


Related:

famous poems about dawn   
Famous Poems About Dawn

halloween poems
Halloween Poems

rainbow poems   
Rainbow Poems

poems about life   
Poems About Life

Where The Sidewalk Ends
Where The Sidewalk Ends


Frequently Asked Questions from Kids About The Moon

Common questions children have about the moon, answered in a fun and easy-to-understand way.


  • Why does the moon change shape?
    The moon changes shape because it goes through different phases! Sometimes it looks like a big, round ball (full moon), and other times it looks like a thin slice (crescent moon). This happens because the moon is always moving around the Earth, and as it moves, we see different parts of it lit up by the sun!



  • Is the moon made of cheese?
    Nope, the moon isn’t made of cheese, even though that’s a funny idea! The moon is actually made of rock and dust. Some people say it looks like Swiss cheese because of all the craters, but you won’t find any snacks up there!



  • Why does the moon shine at night?
    The moon shines at night because it reflects sunlight! Even though it doesn’t have its own light, it bounces sunlight back to us. That’s why we can see it glowing in the dark sky!



  • Can people walk on the moon?
    Yes! Astronauts have walked on the moon! The first people to do this were Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969. They bounced around because the moon has less gravity than Earth, which makes them feel lighter!



  • How far away is the moon?
    The moon is about 238,855 miles away from Earth. That’s like going around the world about 10 times! Even though it seems close when we look up, it’s actually really far!



  • Why does the moon sometimes look orange or red?
    Sometimes the moon looks orange or red, especially when it's close to the horizon. This happens because the light from the moon has to pass through more air, which scatters the light and makes it look like a beautiful sunset!



  • Are there any copyright restrictions on these poems?
    Yes, all of our poems are copyrighted. However, if you wish to use one of our poems for personal use you have our permission and they are free to use. However, if the poems are for commercial use please contact us for guidelines and permission.



  • Can I submit a poem about the moon for kids to be published:
    Yes, see our submission guidelines, how to submit, and the review process on our submit a poem page.


  • Back to Table of Contents
While these poems about the moon were written for kids, we also hope they inspire you to look at the moon with awe and remember 1969 when Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon. With determination and the blessing of God man can do whatever he sets his mind upon.




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