Vowels- Long and Short sounds

A E I O U

We are very little creatures,
All of different voices and features:
One of us in glass is set,
One of us you’ll find in jet.
T’other you may see in tin,
And the fourth a box within.
If the fifth you should pursue,
It can never fly from you.

Jonathan Swift



This lyrical poem describes quite simplistically the vowels in English grammar. This poem seems to have been written for oral delivery to aid children in the memorization of these vowels. An important element is the end rhymes that add to the singsong quality of the poem. From a linguistic point of view, to phonetically learn the vowels one must be aware of their long and short vowel sounds. Stressing on initial vowel sounds is a useful strategy for beginning readers.
This poem caters to a more mature student maybe around 8 / 9 years of age, who in appreciating the direct images of the poem may also come to appreciate the underlying lesson being highlighted.