Running Poems for National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month and 2016 is the 20th anniversary . In celebration of National Poetry Month, I’m offering two poems by Kenn Nesbitt, an American children’s poet and the 2013 Children’s Poet Laureate. I thought the poems were charming and funny. Though they have a lighthearted air, there’s an underlying acknowledgement of human weakness in a deep and kind way.

The Weather Is Perfect for Running

The weather is perfect for running.
I think that I’ll go for a jog.
Except I’m a little bit tired,
so maybe I’ll just walk the dog.

But he seems too hyper for walking.
He looks kind of hard to control.
So maybe I’ll leave him at home,
and go for a leisurely stroll.

But all of my socks are too dirty,
and all of my shoes are untied.
So maybe I’ll sit on the front porch.
Or maybe I’ll just stay inside.

I see that my kitten is purring,
and wants to curl up on my lap.
It wouldn’t be right to prevent her
from getting her afternoon nap.

It’s comfortable here on the sofa.
My pillows are cozy and deep.
The weather is perfect for running.
So that’s why I’m going to sleep.

–Kenn Nesbitt (2015)

At Standing Still I Have a Skill

From the book The Aliens Have Landed at Our School!

At standing still I have a skill that truly is unique. At sleeping I’m unquestionably on a winning streak. At lying down I’m unsurpassed; I’m simply undefeated. At sitting I’m the reigning champ; I’ll never be unseated. At drifting in a daydream it is obvious I’m blessed. At staring at the TV I’m undoubtedly the best. At doing nothing I am even better than you’d think. At everything besides that, though, I’d have to say: I stink. I hope someday I’ll maybe learn another kind of skill. Until then I’m content to be the best at standing still. –Kenn Nesbitt (2001) If you’d like to read more of his poems, you can find them here at Poetry for Kids.