Contemplating Resolutions

I resolve to eat more pickles
And laugh out loud when you tickle.

I resolve to hold more hands
And travel and explore foreign lands.

I resolve to smell more popcorn
And never to be sad or forlorn.

I resolve to see more friends
And enjoy my life before it ends.

I resolve to hear more laughter
And live happily ever after.

Sunrise

The early morning sun

glows

its gorgeous

pink-peach hues

as it

wakes

and

stretches

across the sky

illuminating

a new day.

Traffic Woes

Traffic goes fast.

Traffic goes slow.

We mostly stop,

When we want to go.

New Camera

I got a new camera,
I point it and click.
Mom and Dad pose for me,
Sister threatens with a kick.

I try to take good pictures -
I tell people to say, "Cheese!"
But if I'm surprising them,
I don't ask, "Please?"

Winter Sun

winter sun

blinding glare

hurts my eyes

when I stare

clear blue sky

catch a glimpse

 sunglasses

darkest tint

Ode to the Hummingbird

you flicker

you flick

with your tongue

you spit

you hum

you buzz

with feathers tiny

bird fuzz

fly fast

then stop

you sip nectar

last drop

green head

red breast

of all birds

loved best

Finally Christmas

Gifts have been given,
Gifts have been received.
My shopping is done,
And I am relieved.

Today is the day
For which I shopped.
Finally it's Christmas -
My budget popped.

Final Day

The tree is dolled up,
Strung full of lights.
On this dark December morn
It's a welcomed sight.

Our decorations are up.
Our preparations done.
Number of days until Christmas?
Exactly one!

Late Poem

Late with my poem -
I've had no time.
I've been having fun -
Which is not a crime.

Relatives are here -
So much to see.
Happy to have family
Hanging with me.

The Weatherman Lied

On the news,
The weatherman says,
"A warm sunny day
Is just ahead."

I go outside,
In shorts and a tee.
And it snows
Down on me.

Loving What Is

It's raining,
It's sunny -
I love what is.

It's sad,
It's funny -
I love what is.

It's expensive,
It's cheap -
I love what is.

It's shallow,
It's deep -
I love what is.

It's skinny,
It's fat -
I love what is.

It's this,
It's that -
I love what is.

Cousin Visit

My cousin is visiting,
She's sleeping on the couch.
She's super-lot-a fun
Though she tends to slouch.

She plays dolls with me,
And likes Lord of the Rings.
I love my cousin so much
For the joy she brings.

Fortune Cookie

light brown

golden

folded cookie's

holdin'

my fortune

fame?

lottery numbers?

a shame

too young to play

crunch

tasty treat

munch

with hot tea

full

Chinese food

jewel

Hug and Kiss Makes Things Better

Mom's week started
With her sick in bed.
Bad cough, shivers,
A cold in her head.

She picked me up late
Something about the tire.
While she cooked dinner
There was a bit of a fire.

She plopped on the couch -
We heard her glasses break.
Head in hands she muttered,
"Now that takes the cake."

I give Mom a hug,
And a kiss on the cheek.
"Hope you feel better, Mommy,
You've had quite a week."

Cold Virus

My nose is stuffy,
My eyes are puffy.
I have a cold,
I feel so old.

I eat my soup -
Try to recoup.
In 7 to 10 days
I'll be able to play.

Wishful Thinking

I crawl,

I sneak,

Under the tree

I peek.

I shake,

I touch,

The squishy gifts

I clutch.

I hope,

I pray,

For a stuffed puppy

On Christmas Day.

Too Much Sugar

Gingerbread at school,
Sugar cookies at home -
Not another candy cane!

Donuts at Grandma's,
Fruitcake at Grandpa's -
My tummy is in pain.

Tantrum here,
Mood swing there -
Sugar makes me insane.

Rainy Day Drive

splish

splatter

thrum

patter

the rain comes down

vroom

squeep

rumble

beep

we slosh through town

Pooped

I wanted to read,
But my eyes drooped.
Mom said, "Go to bed."
She knew I was pooped.

Santa's Spy

At this time of year
Mom's always in a hurry.
She's mostly pleasant,
But sometimes she's surly.

When Mom is grumpy
With no time to get things done,
I do chores around the house
And be her most helpful son.

I feed the dog.
I take out the trash.
When Mom's not looking,
I search for hidden stash.

I'm sure Mom's in cahoots
With that jolly fat guy.
I am more nice than naughty,
Mom's Santa's number one spy.

Today's Forecast

Lazy with a Chance of a Movie.  

Partly Munchy with a Popcorn Advisory.

Pajamas Recommended.

Achoo-ku

My nose drips and flows.

Wet tissues ball up in my

fists...aa-aa-aa-CHOO!

Cold Mornings, Warm Afternoons

Frost on the rooftops,
So cold, cold, cold.

Waiting for the bus,
Gets old, old, old.

Hat, coat, mittens,
I'm snug, snug, snug.

Later these clothes,
I lug, lug, lug.

Escalator Escapades

We go up

the UP.

And down

the DOWN.

But sometimes...

We go down

the UP.

And up

the DOWN.

Then Mall Security

gives us a FROWN.

Principal's Visit

The Principal's in our classroom,
Who's he here to see?

The Principal's in our classroom,
Could it be me?

The Principal's in our classroom,
He's writing a lot down.

The Principal's in our classroom,
I can't stop acting like a clown.

The Principal's in our classroom,
Is getting ready to leave.

The Principal's in our classroom,
Ms. Smith looks relieved.

The Principal's in our classroom,
Is on his way down the hall.

The Principal's in our classroom,
Hope mom doesn't get a call.

Winter Warm Up

My teeth chatter...

burr

Heater kicks on...

whir

I start to warm up...

"aaahhh"

I finally defrost...

thaw

I don my thick robe...

fluffy

Then get too hot...

stuffy

We Search the Parking Lot

We search the parking lot.

Wander up this row,

shuffle down that one.

So many cars.

So many colors.

So many sizes.

Every car empty.

Waiting for its driver.

But where is our car?

Is that the door we went in?

By the shoe department?

Oops! Other side of the building.

By the shoe department.

That's the door we went in.

But where is our car?

Waiting for its driver?

Every car empty.

So many sizes.

So many colors.

So many cars.

Shuffle down that one,

wander up this row.

We search the parking lot.

At the Bookstore

I look around the bookstore
Books, books, books.

There are so many -
I look, look, look.

Books about trucks -
Vroom, vroom, vroom.

Books about music -
Croon, croon, croon.

I ask Mom for this book and that -
"Please, please, please!"

"We'll see," she says.
Tease, tease, tease.

I want every book -
All, all, all.

If I don't get them -
Bawl, bawl, bawl.

Mom gets me books -
One, two, three.

Now will you sit and read
With me, me, me?

December's a Blur

Buy this,
Wrap that,
A gift for all -
Don't forget the cat.

Mix this,
Bake that,
Season of treats -
Try not to get fat.

Holiday stress,
December's a blur,
Breathing deeply
Is the only cure.

Ready for Bed

In my bubble bath,
I scrub, scrub, scrub.
Mom checks on me,
"Out of the tub!"

With foaming teeth,
I brush, brush, brush.
Mom reminds me,
"Remember to flush!"

Upon leaving the bathroom,
I 'm clean, clean, clean.
Mom kisses me and says,
"Night-night, Jellybean."

Temporary Free Range Turkeys

The surviving turkeys -
The gobbling beasts -
Lived through Thanksgiving,
Avoided the feasts.

As the month of November
Comes to its end,
The remaining turkeys
Are no longer penned.

Turkey's freedom is great,
But may soon pass.
Cause lots of people
Eat turkey on Christmas!

Mom Knows Best

Yesterday I went to school -
The weather was super-duper cool.

Shorts are not November clothes...
Mom was right, I suppose.

This morning I woke up sleepy.
I was headachey and weepy.

Then I missed the bus,
Had a tantrum, made a fuss.

Mom felt my forehead -
With a worried look she said,

"You feel extremely warm,
Plus today there's a storm."

"You need to stay home and sleep -
Lie still now, don't make a peep."

So I did what Mom said.
I slept all day in my bed.

And now I feel so much better.
Tomorrow I'm wearing a sweater!

Neighborhood Friends

After school is out
I'm down the street
At my friends' house -
Lightening feet.

We play outside -
Sit tag and chase.
We squeal and yell,
Smile on my face.

Then it gets late -
Sun's going down.
I get hungry
I'm homeward bound.

Weekend, Don't End

It's the last day
Of a long weekend.
I'm not ready
For my fun to end.

One extra day
Would be so cool.
But my fun is done -
Because tomorrow's school!

Cloudy Day

The ominous clouds

blacken the sky.

Blotting out the sunshine.

Blotting out the blue.

Blotting out the warmth.

The clouds hover over

the top of the mountain.

The underbellies 

dragging on the rocky peaks

sloughing off water vapor.

Leftover Turkey

It's after Thanksgiving,
My tummy's still full.
The refrigerator is packed
With leftover turkey - cool!

We're having
Turkey-A-La-King.
A meal made with rice -
And a spicy zing.

Next we're having
Cheesy Turkey Casserole.
Another tasty dish -
A crowd  pleaser I'm told.

Then we're having
Turkey Pot Pie.
Ugh, eating all this turkey
Is making me cry.

With the last of the turkey
Mom will make Enchiladas.
When she serves them
I scream, "No more - nada!"

Dinner Is What?

Gobble-gobble...

The farmer's acting quirky,

And a little bit jerky.

...gobble-gobble...

His wife is acting perky -

Her smile is very smirky.

...gobble-gobble...

I fear my future's murky...

I found out dinner's turkey!

...gobble-gobble...GULP!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Abundance

Abundance 

should not be measured 

only 

in monetary wealth.  

It should be measured: 

in hugs given... 

in kind words spoken... 

in gratitude expressed.  

Prosperity 

is 

the amount of love 

in 

your heart 

not 

the amount of money 

in 

your bank account.  

Treasure your loved ones...your loved ones are your treasure.

Grateful

I am grateful 

for so much 

in my life...

my family, 

my friends, 

my health 

- the big things.  

But I am also grateful 

for the small things in my life...

red grapes that burst yumminess in my mouth when I eat them, 

riding in the car with my windows down in November, 

the smell of my daughters when I hug them, 

the sight of my husband as he walks through the door after a long day at work, 

the sound of my dog snoring after she's been to the dog park.  

These are my blessings.  

And I am grateful.

Catku

Ninja kitty stalks

my toes while I sleep - Roaw!  Pounce...

Where is the catnip?

Who Am I?

I am green,
Except when I'm red.
Sometimes I'm even
Yellow instead.

I have smooth skin
And a crunchy bite.
Baked in a pie
I am a-la-mode's delight.

I am popular as a crisp,
As sauce I'm best, some say.
One of me a day
Keeps the doctor away.

Who am I?

Bedhead

I woke up this morning
And looked in the mirror.
What I saw
Couldn't be clearer.

My hair is crazy -
Lumpy locks on my head.
If I went to the doctor 
My diagnosis would be: acute bedhead.

Sleeping Late

I like to sleep late.
When I do, I feel great.
But Mom gets so mad -
Missing the bus is bad.

"5 more minutes, please?"
My plea does not appease.
Now Mom is fit to be tied.
"Timeliness is a matter of pride."

I promise to get up early tomorrow -
This seems to ease her sorrow.
Then I see the error of my way,
For tomorrow is Saturday!

Is there a moral here for you to take?
Don't make promises when you're not awake.

School Daze

Math facts...
274 x 3?
Spelling words...
How do I spell symmetry?

Reading book...
"It was a dark and stormy night..."
Science notes...
What are the Northern Lights?

So much to do...
Homework due everyday.
I love learning...
But sometimes I want to play.

I Am Who I Say I Am

I am

who I say

I am.

I am the story

with an exciting beginning,

an ever changing middle,

and no end.

I am 

my words,

my imagination,

my dreams.

I am

who I say

I am.

Giddy in the Grass

Puppy frolics
in the
freshly cut grass
like a
popcorn kernel
dancing
in a sizzling pan.

pop! plop! flop! pop!

Puppy's happy yips
and
gleeful yelps
are
a sweet tune
rising above
the receding
lawn mower.

She Is Here...For Now

I sit

in the mostly empty parking lot

in my hot stuffy car.

I flip

channels on the radio

trying to avoid commercials

and

find the music.

In my rear view mirror

I see her. 

My beautiful daughter. 

Long hair flying this way and that. 

She trots to the car.

Her overstuffed backpack

thumps

against her back. 

Thump.  Thump.  Thump. 

“Hi Mom!”

Her voice sparkles

as she plops into the seat next to me. 

I am grateful. 

She is safe. 

She is happy. 

She is mine. 

She is here. 

For now.

Parent's Movie Night

On the couch Dad dozes -
He twitches, his head bobs.
Next to him Mom watches
Her "chick flick" film and sobs.

Weekend Fun

The weekend is when
We sleep-in and play,
Eat junk food and watch
Kid movies all day.

Veterans' Day

Veterans 

are the ones 

who put country first 

despite their fears, 

the danger, 

the odds.  

Honor our Veterans 

today 

and 

everyday.

Flu Shot

Off we go to the Doctor's
Even when I'm feeling fine.
We are not the only ones -
There's actually a line.

Though I do not want to go,
I do what I have to do.
I'm brave when I get my shot -
It's way better than the flu.

Raking Leaves

I scrape

I pull

I rake

I carry

I drop

Some leaves plop

Some leaves float

I shiver in my coat

The pile grows

The wind blows

Leaves scatter

Bitty feet patter

Big jump -

Fwomp!

Dress for the Weather

The air is cool
I am a fool
Freezing at school
Should've worn wool

Burrrrrrrrr!

Beater Eater

When Dad makes cookies,
I am a big help.
Though when I eat dough -
Dad can't help but yelp!

Not dough from the bowl,
Just from the beater.
I just can't help it -
I'm a beater eater!

Contradictory Me

I'm always early...except when I'm late.
I'm always loving...except when I hate.

I'm always happy...except when I'm sad.
I'm always good...except when I'm bad.

I'm always thin...except when I'm fat.
I'm always this...except when I'm that.

I'm always free...except when I'm caught.
I'm always something...except when I'm not.

Reluctant Bathtime

Don't like taking baths...
Don't wanna get clean.
Don't like getting wet...
Soap?  I'm none too keen.

But once I'm in the tub -
Warm water soothing me.
Bath toys floating about -
There is no moving me.

Expired Jack O' Lantern

I'm the Halloween pumpkin
You paid a small fortune for.
You carved and lit me
Now I'm a huge mold spore.

Nose Blow-Out

Sister's got a bad cold -
She keeps a'blowing.
Louder than elephants -
Her nose is a'flowing.

I hope she gets better -
Her nose blowing I can't take.
I'm sorry she's so sick -
But she keeps me awake!

Trash Magnet

I pick up stuff -
Mom calls it trash.
Bottle caps...rocks...
I hide my stash.

Treasures off the ground
Are fun to collect.
Hidden carefully -
Mom doesn't suspect.

My Puppy Pal

Puppy's frisky
When she licks me
Tries to nibble my nose.

Puppy's moochy -
A beggin' poochy
Waiting for food to flow.

Puppy's sleeping -
No longer creeping -
She is not being naughty.

Puppy's my pal,
My wee lil' gal -
She's a best friend for me.

Ghosty Guys

Ghosty guys hang

Seven in a row.

They fly and float

Outside my window.

They swing and sway,

Moving to and fro.

Until the wind dies

And stops its blow.

Then the ghosty guys 

Hang stock still...

...seven in row.

Dog People vs. Cat People

If you're a dog person
Do you bark and drool?
Do you like to fetch
And think smelling bottoms is cool?

If you're a cat person
Do you mew and scratch?
Do you like to purr
And use your own litter box patch?

Whichever you prefer,
A cat or a dog,
Either would be better
Than picking up after a hog.

Fuzzy Ducklings

Fuzzy ducklings waddle,
Quickly then they dawdle
Until Mama duck scolds,
Quack!  Quack!  Quack!

Wee ducklings' feathered tails
Float while they feast on snails
Unruffled by Mama's
Flack, flack, flack.

Ducklings dunk with a splish,
And dive deep with a splash -
The water rolls off their
Backs, backs, backs.

Midnight Visitors

*Thump!*

"What was that?"

"zzzmmmzzz?"

*grunt-grunt*

"Wake up!  Did you hear that?"

"What?"

*snort-grunt-crunch-chew*

"That!"

*click*

"Whoa, that's bright!"

"They're eating our pumpkin!"

*snort-grunt-crunch-chew*

"Save it - save it - please!"

"Mmm-huh..."

*plink - thunk*

*SQUEAL!  GRUNT!*

"They're leaving..."

"You're my hero."

"...can I go back to sleep now?"

Post O'Pigeons

On the arched lightpost
Pigeons in a row.
Wing to wing they perch,
Sleeping toe to toe.

Guard Dog

Our terrier trots
Until she spots
A squirrel on the lawn.

Then she yippy-yaps
And growls and snaps
Until the squirrel is gone.

Ode to the Donut Hole

Some say donut holes
Aren't holes at all.
They say they are
Just dough balls.

All I know is
That donut holes
Are tasty and sweet
And super small.

"Bubble" Bath

Bubbles womp
Bubble pop
Bubbles stink
Make 'em stop!

Gross!

Gross!

A cockroach

crunched

in the garbage disposal.

In the garbage disposal

crunched

a cockroach.

Gross!

Carnival Fun

I have my tickets and wristband
For the rides and every game.
The carnival is so much fun -
But my brother thinks it is lame.

I eat hot dogs, cotton candy,
And drink orange soda pop, too.
My tummy is about to burst -
Can't be sick, there's too much to do.

I throw some darts and win a bear.
I ride the twisty whirl-a-gig.
I happen to see my brother,
He's stuffing his face like a pig.

The night wears on, it's getting late -
I'm tired, but I'm glad I won.
By mom I hear my brother beg,
"We can't leave!  This carnival's fun!"

Today is My Birthday!

Hooray!  Today is my birthday!
Happens every year at this time.
My age is definitely climbing,
But being old is not a crime.

I love having birthdays
And the goodies I am fed.
Because if I didn't have them
I would be extremely dead.

Decision Dilemma

Decisions

Decisions

Do I want one scoop or two?

Decisions

Decisions

I'm not sure what to do.

Decisions

Decisions

Do I want a cup or cone?

Decisions

Decisions

I hate making decisions alone.

*minutes pass...phone call for advice*

Decided

Decided

I know what to order!

Decided

Decided

I no longer need to loiter.

Decided

Decided

I'll have a hot fudge sundae -

Decided

Decided

With every topping on display!

*yum*

Happy Campers

Circles of light
Bobbing, jiggling.
Flashlights flicker -
Hikers giggling.

Circle of stone -
Inferno bright.
Happy campers
Sing in the night.

Circle of hands
Holding bent wire.
Gooey 'mallows
Roast over fire.

Circle of bags -
Kids tucked in tight.
Under the stars -
Out like a light.

I Wait

In the backseat

I wait

for my sister.

She has dance class,

music,

drama class, too.

I go when Mom

picks up.

But sis is late.

For my sister

I wait

in the backseat.

Basketball Boogie

bounce

pass

dribble-dribble

bounce

pass

shoot

*clunk*

(miss)

rebound

hustle-hustle

dribble-dribble

bounce

pass

shoot

*swish*

Work In Progress

I write poems.  

Everyday.  

Some are 

not great.  

I make mistakes...

sometimes the meter is off, 

sometimes the end rhyme doesn't quite work 

or 

is forced, 

sometimes the poem just doesn't make sense.  

But I try.  

Everyday.  

 

Maybe my next attempt 

will touch a reader 

in such a way that 

they smile, 

laugh, 

remember something from 

their own childhood 

 - ultimately feel something.  

My words may resonate 

with someone, 

somewhere 

for just a few minutes 

and 

their mood is lifted, 

their day

is that much better 

because 

of one of my poems.  

I hope so.  

My poems are 

a work in progress.  

I am 

a work in progress.  

My writing journey continues...stay tuned.

Minor Exception

I'm an only child -
The apple of my parent's eye.
I get all the attention -
Except for that other guy.

After all these years
Of being a family of three.
My brother comes along -
So unfortunate for me.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Leaves Take Their Leave

The autumn trees 

explode 

with color -

orange

yellow

 red.  

The seasonal fallout 

flutters 

and 

floats 

d

o

w

n 

 to the ground.

I 

stomp

fling

and

crunch

my way

through

fall -

until 

all

the leaves 

take 

their leave 

and 

the branches 

are 

bare.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Dog Hair Everywhere

On the couch,

all over the floor,

on my bed,

behind the door.

Dog hair everywhere.

On my pants

and my shirt.

White hairs adorn

my new black skirt.

Dog hair everywhere.

We dust and vacuum -

we mop and sweep.

A clean house

we can not keep.

Dog hair everywhere.

If we had to choose

between our hairy hound

and a hair-free home,

We choose our hound - hands down.

Dog hair everywhere.

©2011, Bridget Magee

The Sink Stinks

The sink stinks -
It smells foul.
I try to wipe it
And stain the towel.

Mom's not home.
Dad's out back.
The smell is distracting me
From my snack.

What's down there
Making that stench?
I have to check -
I'll use a wrench.

I grip and twist -
Gunk squirts in the air.
It lands on the counter
And in my hair.

Now the whole kitchen stinks -
Myself included.
I came in for a snack
And end up polluted.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Who Am I? (squash version)

I was planted in spring.
I grew all summer long.
My vines have grown thick,
Hearty and strong.

I am orange like a basketball,
But I do not bounce.
I have lots of seeds inside -
Too many to count.

My stem is dark green.
My flesh is shiny and bright.
I've also been known
To glow at night.

I taste really good
Baked in a pie.
Can you tell me
Who am I?

©2011, Bridget Magee

Fall Limerick

The crisp air tells me it’s fall,

Time for cider and football.

I love this season,

Except for one reason –

Last year’s sweaters are too small.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Emergen-Pee

left hip

right hip

wiggle-wiggle

cross legs

uncross legs

cross legs again

uncross legs again

tap feet

jiggle-jaggle knees

left hip

right hip

"Susie?"

"Yes?"

"Do you have to go to the bathroom?"

"No..."

wiggle

"Um, maybe..."

jiggle

"YES!"

run...run...run...

©2011, Bridget Magee

Picnic Postponed

The plan was a picnic
For my beau and me.
The only table we could find
Was under an oak tree.

As we drew near the table,
With our basket in hand,
We saw that we needed
A completely new plan.

For the table was completely awash
In black and white tiny turds.
Apparently above this picnic spot
Lived some very prolific birds.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Gum Fun

chomp

chew

chomp

chew

flavor bursts

saliva squirts

chomp

chew

chomp

chew

tongue stretch

lips seal

gently blow

bubble squeal

*POP*

chomp

chew

chomp

chew

©2011, Bridget Magee

Museum Migraine

At the science museum
I study the displays.
Pressed against the glass -
I could stay for days.

Sometimes I get excited
And lean my head in fast.
*Clonk* my head connects -
How long will my headache last?

©2011, Bridget Magee

Carpool Confusion

There was no cool blue water
Sloshing when they picked me up.
They arrived on time
In a boring old pickup truck.

I checked the truck bed
But there was no pool.
I feel silly in my swim trunks
Going to school.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Dripping Mistake

An unexpected storm
Caught me by surprise.
I got completely drenched
While I said goodbye.

Getting soaked is ridiculous,
Because I have an umbrella.
Actually I have quite a lot of them -
I'm an umbrella "sella".

©2011, Bridget Magee

Mosquitoes Suck

It is dusk 

- the final hoorah of daylight - 

the red, 

orange, 

purple 

explosion of sunset 

is 

fading.  

We sit 

on the patio 

talking, 

laughing, 

enjoying the cooler air 

of 

the early evening.  

Suddenly, 

faintly, 

we hear 

buzz-hum, 

buzz-hum, 

buzz-hum 

float 

near and around 

our ears.  

We 

swat, 

bat, 

flap 

our hands about 

interrupting 

the ebb and flow 

of 

our conversation.  

Then 

we feel 

the needle sharp 

pricks 

and 

pinches 

on our ankles, 

shoulders, 

faces.  

*Slap*  

*Splat*  

With bloody palms 

we bolt 

into the house 

declaring, 

"Mosquitoes suck!"

©2011, Bridget Magee

Passing Notes

I got in trouble in class
For the note I passed.
"Time Out" chair I was sent
To sit, think, and then repent.

So I sat and I thought,
But repent I did not.
For my note was for Mr. Brown
To tell him his fly was down.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Startling Discovery

At my school today
Kids have been gawking,
Laughing and pointing,
Whispering, talking.

I've become self conscious
Of the snickering stares.
Kids keep touching their noses -
It's more than I can bear.

I feel real jittery
Like when I've eaten too much sugar.
I flee to the bathroom
And discover a huge booger!

©2011, Bridget Magee

Dip-Aster

We had a bag of potato chips
And sour cream/Ranch dip.
With utmost precision
I dipped each of my chips.

But one time I got over zealous
And dipped my chip too hard.
When I pulled my hand away
I was gripping a single chip shard.

To rectify my mistake
I used another chip to scoop.
I salvaged my crumbled potato bits
And never let my smile droop.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Hidden Eraser

I search the whole house
For my hidden treasure.
I can't find what I'm looking for
Much to my displeasure.

I look in the desk.
I look by the phone,
I look in the junk drawer,
I turn every stone.

I ask my family -
My sister is quite the debater -
Eventually she lets it slip,
She hid my special eraser.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Not My Mess

The kitchen floor is a mess,
But I must confess,
It's was not made by me!

My kibble is strewn about -
My human lets out a shout,
She should not blame me!

In the middle of the night -
When there wasn't much light -
I could just make out the guilty "party".

They were small, brown, and furry -
The mess they made in a flurry.
They were as squeaky as can be.

If I wasn't such a tired pup
I would have caught the critters up,
Instead I rolled over so I couldn't see.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Dog Park Bliss

After welcoming sniffs,
Doggy sprints and zips.

She does a high stepping prance,
A tail wagging dance.

After minutes of unbridled play,
Doggy must stop and lay.

Then she has a long scratch
And she's off again with a dash.

Back in the car doggy gives a licky kiss
To thank us for her dog park bliss.

Phew

Phew!  Mom went to the store -
Now eating is not a chore.

Phew! I did my best -
I passed that test.

Phew!  It's OK girls and boys -
You can make noise.

Phew!  This is the last one -
This poem is done.

My Dog Is Lazy Until...

My dog is lazy,
Until she goes crazy...

From a passing dog
Or a jumping frog.

From a dibbling quail
Or lizard tail.

From the mail guy
Or a housefly.

My dog is crazy,
Until she's lazy.

Spicy Dinner

I don't like spicy food,I like my food bland -
My noodles plain,
My soups canned.

I sit down to eat
When dinner is ready.
I want something bland,
But I get a plate of spaghetti.

I nibble the meatball
All covered in sauce.
My mouth explodes -
Dinner's a total loss.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Growing Pains

I feel major pain
Inside both my shoes.
I can feel it when I walk -
I don't know what to do.

It's not a pebbly rock,
Or my little brother's block,
But I certainly feel it
Inside both my socks.

It's not a kernel of corn,
Or a pointy thorn.
I feel like
My socks are torn.

I stop and examine
My feet for more clues.
I'm shocked to discover
They're too big for my shoes.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Exhaustion

I'm tired,
I'm beat,
I'm totally worn out.

I'm weary,
I'm bleary,
Completely tuckered out.

I climb into bed,
I rest my weary head,
Then I pass out.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

©2011, Bridget Magee

Poetry Is Like...

Sometimes

poetry 

is like

soda pop.

It

bubbles,

and 

froths.

You drink it in

and

never

want to stop.

But sometimes

poetry 

is

flat.

It is

boring

and

trite.

It

leaves 

a taste

in your mouth

that makes you 

want to 

spit.

*splat*

©2011, Bridget Magee

One Sided Conversation

I 

hear 

your side 

- only your side - 

of 

the conversation.  

You speak 

loudly, 

"My BUNIONS are KILLING me!"  

you speak 

often, 

"And then she said..." 

"After that we went..." 

"You wouldn't believe what I saw..."  

When you finally pause, 

I know 

the person 

on the other end 

of 

the line 

(the ONLY person who should be hearing your voice) 

is getting 

a word 

in.  

But the pause 

is 

too brief, 

too fleeting.  

Before I know it 

your mouth 

is 

going 

full throttle, 

full volume.  

I'm not sure 

having 

a phone 

with 

you 

at ALL times 

is such 

a good idea...

...for everyone else.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Formula for a Perfect Day (Canine Edition)

Wake up

+Stretch

+Ear Scratch

+Eat Last Night's Table Crumbs

+ Eat Kibble

+Poop

+Couch Nap

+Chew Rawhide

+Human Bed Nap

+Walk

+Poop

+Cuddle with Human

+Go to Bed

_______________

  Adds up to a Dog's Perfect Day

©2011, Bridget Magee

Late Season Monsoons

Late season monsoons -
Boom!  Boom!  Boom!

The lightning keeps me awake -
The thunder makes me quake.

When rain comes down -
My pillow blocks the sound.

Late season monsoons -
Boom!  Boom!  Boom!

©2011, Bridget Magee

I've Got Freckles

I've got freckles.

On my nose,
Between my toes,
On my body parts,
Covered by my clothes -

I've got freckles.
Splotches and spots.
I could play
Connect the dots.

I've got freckles.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Lost Keys

Mom lost her keys.
She screeches,
"Help me please!"
Mom lost her keys...
Again.

We're already late.
Another tardy
Is my fate.
We're already late...
Again.

I look down low.
We need keys
So we can go.
I look down low...
Again.

I lift Mom's purse.
*jingle-jangle*
Mom screeches
A curse.
Again.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Tiny Rock Star

Tiny rock star,
Sings so loud.
When she sings the lyrics
She is so proud.

The music is blaring,
Her hips are swinging.
She is bopping,
Relishing her singing.

The rest of us
Cover our ears tight.
When she hits the high notes,
It's quite a fright.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Sick Day

I'm sick,
I'm warm.
In my bed,
I'm forlorn.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Remember

Today

we

remember,

recall,

think back,

reflect.

But,

we must also

try to

understand,

grasp,

comprehend,

so that

in the end

we can

forgive,

move forward,

progress,

and

ultimately

heal.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Burnt Paws

Our pooch ran around and around the pool
Barking and yipping like a fool.
Acting crazy is only one of her many flaws -
She also managed to burn all her paws.
Why didn't she just jump in the pool to keep cool?

©2011, Bridget Magee

Splash Park Fun

fountains squirt

I squeak

misty spray spritzes

I squeal

water's spurting

water's spouting

water's streaming

I'm shouting,

"What a perfect day!"

©2011, Bridget Magee

Bedtime Story

I burrow 

into Mama's side, 

into her scent, 

into her warmth.  

I focus 

on her voice 

as she reads 

the words, 

as she shares 

the story 

in her 

special 

Mama-storytelling-voice.  

The characters 

play out their parts 

in my mind, 

my imagination 

fills in 

all the details 

the author left out.  

I rest my eyes, 

 hypnotized 

by 

Mama's soothing tone 

and 

  story.  

The next thing I know 

it is morning 

with the sound 

of 

the dishwasher

 being emptied 

and 

the smell

of 

Dad's coffee 

filtering 

through my covers.  

The bedtime story 

from last night 

lingers 

in my mind, 

an aftertaste 

of 

my dreams.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Scorpion "Attack"

Mama gave a high pitched scream,
And danced wildly as she jumped back.
She used lots of colorful language
During her "dangerous" scorpion attack.

Mama's animated reaction
Was ear piercing and exciting.
"Watch out!" Mama screeched.
"It might still be biting!"

I didn't have the heart to tell her -
Scorpions don't bite, they sting instead.
Or that the scorpion that "attacked" her
Was doing neither - it was dead.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Unseasonably Warm

The calendar says September,
And I try hard to remember,
That the Autumn is on its way.

In this heat I feel super lazy,
My brain is getting kinda hazy -
How do I bottle this heat for a winter day?

Mom tells me to lay low,
Drink lots of water, and take it slow.
It's difficult when I'm at school.

With ice cube lesson plans,
Our teacher helps us as best she can,
But at recess it's hard to keep cool.

The calendar may say one thing,
Mother Nature does her own thing -
I listen to Mom and try not to be a fool.

So I read lots of books to lay low,
And drink so much water that I am slow,
And after school, I splash in the pool.

©2011, Bridget Magee

Happy Labor Day!

No school today,
We have a day to play,
All because it's Labor Day!
Who's Mr. Labor anyway?
And how'd he score this holiday?
I'm thankful either way...
A day off school is A-OK!
Hip-hip-hooray!

©2011, Bridget Magee