I love funny poems. Many people, especially students, can be intimidated by or uninterested in poetry because they view it as stuffy, overly serious, even pretentious. And while many poems, even very good ones, can fall into those categories, they don’t have to. Poems can be light-hearted, goofy, silly, and funny. And we need funny, we need moments of levity, even – no – especially in the most troubled times (like when the American president is joking/not joking about conquering your country, for example). Humour is part of what makes us human, and sharing laughter brings us closer to each other. Funny things aren’t frivolous – they’re necessary, and no less significant or meaningful than other forms of self-expression.
Some of my favourite funny poems find humour in the old bait-and-switch conceit, leading you along in one direction before pulling the rug out from under you at the last minute to great comedic effect.
Unsurprisingly, Shel Silverstein was a master of the surprise ending – who could’ve imagined such a confident speaker not knowing how to actually score points in their sport, as in the example above? Here’s another hilarious Shel Silverstein poem with a twist.
And now, a funny poem that I came up with, though I supposed I’ve ruined it a bit by hinting at its twist ending!
Anyone else a bit of a binge-watcher when it comes to shows on streaming services? I’m not currently watching anything I’d define as “so bad it’s good”, but I am burning through a Korean cooking competition program called Culinary Class Wars that never fails to get my mouth watering.
Do you have any favourite funny poems?
I love Culinary Class Wars! Yes, Shel Silverstein was a master at the twist ending…you did a great job yourself! Brian Bilston writes a lot of funny poems, including this one about how long January feels:
Mnemonic
Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November.
Unless a leap year is its fate,
February hath twenty-eight.
All the rest hath three days more,
excepting January,
which hath six thousand,
one hundred and eighty-four.
I adored Silverstein as a kid. I could recite so many of his poems. I can still recite Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too. I loved your silly poem.
My students loved when I read aloud the poems from the book “I’m Just No Good at Rhyming” by Chris Harris. I wish I were better at writing funny poems. I am a total binge watcher. Lately it’s been Gilmore Girls for comfort and nostalgia, but Netflix pointed me in the direction of Seven Dials. That was only 3 episodes but well done. Thanks for writing on the light side this week. I needed it.
My kids LOOVVVEDDD Silverstein’s “Toilet Paper.”
I feel like funny poems are some of the best to introduce kids to poetry — Who doesn’t want more laughter, right?
Yes to being a binge-watcher! In November/December, I was not feeling well and I binge-watched all of Abbot Elementary. What a comfort show it was. (I still watch it, but now I have to wait for the latest episode to come out each week.) 🙂
I adore your poem! The rhythm is just right and such a delight. Did you see that Irene shared a call for funny poems?
Love your funny poem with its surprise ending! I can relate as I often ask myself why I’m watching something. I guess because “it’s so good it’s bad.”
I think you have the knack, Jane. Your poem is lots of fun, too, with that ‘kick’ at the end! As for a favorite of mine, would go with Silverstein’s ‘Homework Machine’, which my students loved, too!
Thanks for the funny poems, Jane. I liked yours, which we binge watchers can all relate to!
My students LOVED Shel Silverstein, but once I introduced them to Douglas Florian, J. Patrick Lewis, and Chris Harris, they were willing to branch out in other humorous directions!
Jane, I do like funny poems. Shel Silverstein is a master and one of my favorites. Your post reminded me of Irene’s, where she invites us to consider submitting a funny poem to sillysociety.org. Maybe you’ll want to participate! Thanks for sharing a smile today. https://irenelatham.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-good-morning-for-giddo-by-dahlia.html
I like funny poems, too, Jane, and yours is great fun!
Jane, I LOVE your funny poem, and appreciate you sharing your analysis of the structure. I don’t have confidence in being able to write a funny poem but your post has inspired me to try!!! My favorite funny poem is School Daze Rap by Carol Diggory Shields! I LOVE your funny poem!!! Congrats!!!!