Here's why:
* Simple language and imagery: The poem uses simple language and imagery that is easily accessible to children, like describing the bridge as "like a long, gray snake" and the water as "a big, blue puddle."
* Wonder and awe: The poem reflects a child's sense of wonder and awe at the world, expressing fascination with the bridge and its surroundings.
* Perspective: The poem focuses on the bridge's physical characteristics and its relation to the natural world, a common perspective for children who often view things with fresh eyes.
It's important to remember that poetry often uses a subjective voice, and the speaker doesn't necessarily have to be the poet themselves. In this case, Conkling uses the child's voice to effectively convey the poem's themes of wonder, observation, and connection to nature.