The Elegant Elephant

An elegant elephant
sat for tea
and used her napkin
most delicately.

She tried to be dainty,
as you may suppose,
when using her napkin
to cover her nose.

But the napkin was huge
and as long as a hose.
When she unfurled it,
it dropped under her toes.


    This is a poem about manners.  Can you try writing your own poem today about something mannerly?  Who might give you advice as when to say please or thank you?  Do you have a favorite animal you can make the main character of your poem?  Have fun writing.

    I was having so much fun saying elegant elephant that I tried to think of other things that would distinguish an elephant, making her elegant.  Do you think she would wear a hat to a tea party?


    A elegant elephant
wore a flowered hat
it slipped off her head
whenever she sat.

Manners

Hugh, Hugh
what do you do
when someone
comes to stand
in an elevator
with you?

You ask them kindly,
Please, what floor?
then push their button
and close the door.

     Do you remember the first time you rode in an elevator?  I do because the town I grew up in only had two elevators.  Do you remember the first time you rode on an escalator?  I had to go to the big city to ride on one.  My mother talked to be about "how to ride an escalator" before I took my first step.  I was frightened and thrilled at the same time.  
     I'm still having fun with these manner poems.  What courtesy can you write a poem about today?  Do have fun writing.  I also tried writing a concrete poem for "elevator" today.  I am having a good time with poetry.  I hope you are too.