Laura Purdie Salas

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Keep a Pocket in Your Poem, by J. Patrick Lewis [Poetry Friday]

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Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)

Last week, I shared my genre chant poem that appeared in JCL. By the way, in my newsletter for educators later this month or in July, I’ll be sending along a downloadable mini-poster of that poem, so make sure you’re a subscriber if you’re interested! Anyway, in that post, I mentioned a terrific J. Patrick Lewis poem that also appeared in that issue.

This week, I’m sharing Pat’s poem, which is a fabulous parody of Beatrice Schenk de Regniers’ much-loved “Keep a Poem in Your Pocket.” It’s from his new book by the same name as his poem, which features classic poems paired with Pat’s creative twists on them. I just got it today and can’t wait to read the rest of it!

Keep a Pocket in Your Poem

Keep a pocket in your poem
filled with every wondrous thing
you can think of–red hawk feather,
silver penny, pinkie ring,

Yo-yo, M&M’s, a ticket
from a roller coaster ride,
pictures of your pug–a poem
needs a pocket on the side.

So–
Keep a pocket in your poem,
for imagination grows
from the deepest secret pockets
every pocket poet knows.

–J. Patrick Lewis, all rights reserved

I love the sort of silly and wonderfully kid-friendly list of things, and then the twist into that ending, hinting at those deep secret pockets of ourselves that our poems contain. Love.

For more terrific poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Carol at Carol’s Corner!

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Comments

  2. Thanks for sharing this, Laura. It’s certainly a perfect memory, but I wonder how many kids keep all those wonderful things in their pockets today?

  4. So fun! Thank you! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

  9. I think this poem is not only for poets but collectors. Very fun, I can’t wait to see more in this new book.

  11. How fun! I was thinking that our writing notebooks are like “pockets” for collecting poetry “stuff.” I think I’ll use that image (and Patrick’s poem) next year to launch notebooks with my Kindergarteners. Thanks!

  12. I checked out his new book from the library, and then had to buy it for my collection! I’m planning a post soon to share some of my favorites from this wonderful new book!

  13. I love this! Yesterday I vowed not to buy any more books until my new bookcases are built (part of our renovation project), but I may have to break that for this book. Thank you for sharing, Laura!

  14. I love the playfulness of this poem and admire the energy of J. Patrick Lewis. Thanks for sharing.

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