Just a Dog – A Be Yourself Poem and Identity Poem for Kids About Pride

As a poet, I wrote Just a Dog to give young readers a gentle yet honest message: it’s perfectly okay to feel different. Whether you’re a dog that feels more like a cat, or a child who doesn’t quite fit the expectations others have, this be yourself poem for kids invites children to question norms while embracing what makes them unique. It’s a light-hearted but meaningful way to start conversations about identity, empathy, and self-expression. It as written as an identity poem for kids.

This poem also belongs to the growing collection of diversity poems for kids, and can even be seen as a pride poem for kids—because it celebrates the journey of discovering and accepting who you truly are, regardless of what others might say. Though the rhyme is playful and simple, its message is deeply important in encouraging kindness and understanding from a young age.

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Just a dog

I’m just a dog

but feel more cat

The people say

that’s wrong is that

You’re born to bark

You shouldn’t purr

The skin you’re in

grows rougher fur

So shame on you

you silly dog

What’s next, you want

to be a frog?

I’m just a dog

but feel more cat

I wish I knew

what’s wrong with that

Mark Bird

Creative Poetry Worksheet for Teachers (An identity poem for kids)

Just_a_Dog_Poetry_Worksheet_for_teachers.docx

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Just A Dog: a Be Yourself Poem and identity Poem for Kids about pride