This is one poem every one can write. Why? Because it's so easy and so much fun.

All you have to do is to make a list of your favorite excuses/complaints you make every time your teacher asks you to write a poem. Add just the right title and ending and voila! You've written a terrific list poem.

Here's how it might turn out:

I Can't Write a Poem

Forget it.
You must be kidding.
I'm still half asleep.
My eyes keep closing.
My brain isn't working.
I don't have a pencil.
I don't have any paper.
My desk is wobbly.
I don't know what to write about.
And besides, I don't even know how to write a poem.
I've got a headache. I need to see the nurse.
Time's up? Uh oh!
All I have is this dumb list of excuses.
You like it? Really? No kidding.
Thanks a lot.
Would you like to see another one?

-Bruce Lansky

See what I mean?

I bet you will love writing this one. To get started, start with "I Can't Write a Poem" as the title. Then come up with some excuses--the more ridiculous, the better. Then add the lines from "Times up?" to "Thanks a lot" from the poem above. Finally, come up with the last line on your own.

Good luck!

--Bruce Lansky

If you are interested in inviting Bruce Lansky to your school, click here!