Wednesday, April 9, 2008

A Poem by J. Patrick Lewis


J. Patrick Lewis is not only a prolific and talented children’s poet—he is also a very generous one indeed. Today he emailed me and asked if I would be interested in posting the following poem on my blog. Would I!!! The poem, Mr. Mack Celebrates the 100th Day of School, will appear next year in his book Countdown to Summer: A Poem for Every Day of the School Year (180 poems). The book sounds like a terrific one to have on hand in a classroom, doesn’t it?


Mr. Mack Celebrates the 100th Day of School
by J. Patrick Lewis
NOTE: All pre-publication rights belong to J. Patrick Lewis.

Assignment, students, write a story—
“Tomorrow is The Hundredth Day”—
And tell me what’s so hunky-dory
About it in a funky way.

You might begin with “Listen, homey,
Tomorrow is the hundredth day
With wacky Mr. Mack." You know me.
What would you really like to say

About your favorite English teacher?
Tomorrow is the hundredth day.
Describe my most amazing feature.
And no, I don’t wear a toupee!



Elsewhere in the kidlitosphere today: Laura Purdie Salas also posted a poem written by J. Patrick Lewis. It’s entitled Everything Is a Poem. It’s a wonderful metaphor poem. I hope he publishes it in a book.

Do check out my interview with J. Patrick Lewis, which I posted at Wild Rose Reader last Friday.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to read that Countdown to Summer. Countdown to the book release for us, right?!

Anonymous said...

That was supposed to be "jules."

Not enough coffee yet today.

Elaine Magliaro said...

Jules,

Right! I always look forward to the publication of a poetry book written by Pat Lewis.