Today's Poet - Karla Kuskin

[moosesal]

I know nothing about Karla Kuskin and the book this is from has no bios. Sorry. When I was in elementary school I bought my first book of poetry, Arrow Book of Poetry (selected by Ann McGovern). When my parent's moved I had to get the last of my stuff out of their attic and found this book and several others from my childhood in one of the boxes. The following is the only poem I've ever memorized permanently. :)

I Woke Up This Morning

I woke up this morning
At quarter past seven.
I kicked up the covers
And stuck out my toe.
And ever since then
(That's a quarter past seven)
They haven't said anything
Other than "no."

They haven't said anything
Other than "Please, dear,
Don't do what you're doing,"
Or "Lower your voice."
Whatever I've done
And however I've chosen,
I've done the wrong thing
And I've made the wrong choice.

I didn't wash well
And I didn't say thank you.
I didn't shake hands
And I didn't say please.
I didn't say sorry
When, passing the candy,
I banged the box into
Miss Witelson's knees.
I didn't say sorry.
I didn't stand straighter.
I didn't speak louder
WHen asked what I'd said.
Well, I said
That tomorrow
At quarter past seven,
They can
come in and get me
I'M STAYING IN BED.

Any of you with kids? Share this poem, I think it's a great way to introduce kids to poetry. :)

So, my thanks for all the birthday wishes. I'm on my way out the door, but wanted to post real quick. ::smooches to everyone::

one day older and
one year closer to death, but
also one more year

of laughter and friendship and
learning and loving my life