Today is POEM IN YOUR POCKET day! How does one celebrate? By carrying around a poem or two in your pocket, and then sharing them with someone else.
My Grandpa Bill had a love of words and an incredible memory. When we visited, he would come to the bedroom door to say goodnight, and without preamble, would recite for us THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT by Edward Lear. I can still see his silhouette outlined by the hall light, and hear his gentle voice. Isn’t that a nice gift to send someone through life with?
One of my all time favorite kid poems is by Ogden Nash:
THE RHINOCEROS
The rhino is a homely beast,
For human eyes he’s not a feast.
Farwell, farewell, you old rhinoceros,
I’ll stare at something less prepoceros.
There are many fun and funny poetry collections for kids. Here are a few that won’t steer you wrong:
Hilarious characters like Snerry Jake speak a language all their own in this billy sook.
If you like Shel, you’ll love Jack. “Watson Watts, upon his legs, balanced forty ostrich eggs…”
Find a kid to give a poem to today. I sent my seventh grader off with a poem and an eye roll this morning. It is a love poem I wrote just for her. I’ll take the eye roll, she’ll take the poem, and with any luck we’ll meet up on the other side of junior high.
For more information about how POEM IN YOUR POCKET day originated, as well a great selection of downloadable poems, click here!
You may also enjoy visiting the website of poet Jason Tandon. I’m a fan.
What a perfect description of sending your daughter off to school! Good on ‘ya for tolerating the eye roll. It will all pay off in the long run.
Are you saying that from experience or something? 🙂
Nancy,
When Nolan came home from school yesterday, he pulls out a folded piece of paper and announces, “I have a poem in my pocket!” He then unfolds it and before he starts reading it explains that it is a limerick. Thanks for reminding me it was “Poem in Your Pocket Day.” We celebrated with reading Shel Silverstein at bedtime and laughing over too many people in the tub.
Jen
I feel like that particular collection of poems “drops the mic” on kid poetry. Did then, still does. You are such a fun mom!