Tooth
What a bore! It’s such a chore
brushing my teeth each day.
Where does that stinky, slimy plaque
come from anyway?
Every day when I get up,
my mouth seems lined with cotton.
Nasty gunk coats teeth and tongue,
and makes my breath smell rotten.
I know I need to brush and floss.
Do I have to brush my tongue?
Teeth will rot, so I’ve been told,
whether you’re old or young.
Pearly whites would soon turn dark,
then yucky shades of green.
Black would follow, teeth fall out
leaving big gaps between.
I like steak and things that take
all of my teeth to chew.
I’ll brush and floss so I won’t be
the ‘Toothless Kid’ at school!
Donna J. Shepherd © 2004
Saplings, February 2004
Lunch
As a rule,
The lunches at school
Never appeal to me.
Mom packs my sack
Every day
With plenty of
Mystery.
What did she pack?
What's the surprise?
What will I eat today -
A sandwich and chips,
A scrumptious dessert?
Each day
My private buffet.
On the kitchen counter
At home
Lays my forgotten
backpack.
When running late,
The bus wouldn't wait
I wish I had time
To go back.
Now I'm upset,
Because I won't get
Mom's yummy treats
On a plate
I guess the school lunch
Will do in a crunch
From now on,
I don't want to run late!
By Donna J. Shepherd
Saplings Magazine, August 2004
A Riddle Rhyme
© 2004 Donna J. Shepherd
Mystery Meal
1. It’s crunchy or sweet
Made of corn, oats, or wheat.
It might crackle and pop
Or be sugared on top.
? *
2. A smooth, cold delight,
Fresh, creamy, and white.
Drink it all up
From a glass or a cup.
? *
3. An iron’s what it takes
To make these pancakes.
Poured in a mold,
Served hot, never cold.
? *
4. It’s white and oblong.
With a shell that’s quite strong.
The best part’s inside –
Delicious when fried.
? *
5. When raw, it lies flat
And marbled with fat.
When cooked, it gets wavy.
Very tasty with gravy.
? *
6. Squeezed in a cup
Its tang wakes you up
Drink down in a gulp
Then munch on the pulp.
? *
7. It’s a meal – hot or cold
For kids young and old,
The healthiest way
To start every day.
? *
*ANSWERS:
1. Cereal
2. Milk
3. Waffle
4. Egg
5. Bacon
6. Orange juice
7. Breakfast!
