Homework Stew
From the book When the Teacher Isn't Looking
I cooked my math book in a broth
and stirred it to a steaming froth.
I threw in papers—pencils, too—
to make a pot of homework stew.
I turned the flame up nice and hot
and tossed my binder in the pot.
I sprinkled in my book report
with colored markers by the quart.
Despite its putrid, noxious gas,
I proudly took my stew to class.
And though the smell was so grotesque,
I set it on my teacher’s desk.
My teacher said, “You’re quite a chef.
But, still, you’re going to get an F.
I didn’t ask for ‘homework stew,’
I said, ‘Tomorrow, homework’s due.'”
— Kenn Nesbitt
Copyright © 2005. All Rights Reserved.
Reading Level: Grade 5
Topics: Food Poems, School Poems
Poetic Techniques: Imagery, Narrative Poems
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From the book When the Teacher Isn't Looking
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