I have a feeling there are quite a few kids out there (and grown ups who were once kids) who will be able to relate to this hilarious poem!
THE PAYOFF – Mary Blakeslee
For seven months I made my bed
And cleaned my room up neat.
I said my prayers, hung up my clothes
And always wiped my feet.
I brushed my teeth three times a day
And slicked my hair with goo.
I even washed behind my ears,
I scrubbed my elbows too.
I ate my liver and my greens
And never made a face.
And when I spilled my milk I cleaned
It up without a trace.
A lot of good it did to be
So perfect every day.
‘Cause Mommy went ahead and had
The baby anyway!
This wonderful poem comes from a collection of children’s poetry that has had a nostalgic home in my personal collection for decades. The poems in Mary Blakeslee’s It’s Still Tough to Be a Kid, first published in 1988, really capture the spirit of childhood in all its craziness, warts and all, and as a child I remember being enthralled by, and connecting with, so many of these little wonders. The illustrations are wonderfully weird, and at times more creepy than cuddly, making them incredibly memorable. Sadly the collection is very hard to find – few libraries carry a copy, and it’s even difficult to find a copy on Amazon, which is a shame, because these illustrated poems are so very memorable! I might share a few more of my favourites from the collection on future Poetry Friday posts, because I really do love them.
Happy Friday, everyone – it’s time to let your inner child out!
Oh Jane, the poem is wonderful and so is the art!!!!! I hope you will share some more from this book, I’d love to find a copy. I’ll have to see if I can get it from the library; it’s my second home as I’m there every week, thanks!
My inner child is happy remember sliding down stairs and thinking good behavior could change the world. Or bad behavior. Perhaps hope is the only thing that can change the world — a belief that it can change.
Oh my, what fun! Reminds me of Shel Silverstein. Thank you.
There are some really special old books out there that I would love to see come back – no new illustrations even – just the good old black and white lined drawings to accompany the text!
Just so you know, some words were used from your post to use in the new Scavenger Hunt today! http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com/2017/03/poetry-friday.html
What a fun poem and good to know about this book. The illustrator has a unique way of spelling his name, doesn’t he? 🙂
Great poem, and so much fun. I haven’t read Mary Blakeslee, so I hope you’ll share more. Linda
Aww I really like this poem! it does sound like a day in my kids lives 🙂 thanks for posting it
HAHAHA! Perfect!!
Love this one – I need to investigate this poet further.
LOL! Yes, as an eldest in a family I can attest to the fact that doing your best to be “all” to your mum will not stop the siblings from arriving. Ha! What a great poem and book. You give a memory of one of my favorite books from childhood, Bertram the Bad by Arnold Lobel. I found an old copy on ebay years ago and it’s just nice to know that Bertam is still around. I have the very best memories of sitting snuggled up to my mom reading it to her and listening to her read to me. What a great visit to your blog today. Thank you!
On my mum’s ninth birthday, her aunt announced that she’d just received the best present ever – a new baby sister! Oh sure, that’s exactly what every kid wants, another little sibling (she already had two) who shared her birthday! Some grownups just don’t get kids! 😉
Such a fun poem – and the artwork is so classically silly and irreverent! Thanks for sharing.
Ha! A timeless classic! Thanks for sharing, Jane! =)
What a find, Jane – your book copy looks well-worn indeed. Thanks for sharing the fun today! (& leave it to Jama to notice that big ol’ R in the illustrator’s name!)
It’s one I’ve never seen, Jane, and looks like a lot of fun, and definitely wants kids for an audience.
What a fun poem! Thank you for sharing it and the collection. The illustration is fabulous!
Oh my goodness! This is too funny. Thanks for channeling our inner child!
I was unaware of this collection. It makes me sad when good books go out of print. Glad you have it to share here!
This made me laugh out loud! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Such a fun poem. I love the way the illustrator has capitalized the letters of his name. A little irreverence and creativity even in that small act.