The Wild Rumpus

A book I often read my kids
Was Where the Wild Things Are.
The story’s strange and so is Max,
This classic’s costumed star.

His mother called him “Wild Thing”
And then he was sent to bed.
He missed his dinner but he found
Adventures there instead.

A forest grew inside his room;
An ocean, too, appeared.
He climbed aboard a boat and sailed;
This all seems rather weird.

He traveled to a far-off land
Where wild things gnashed their teeth.
They made him king and he was thrilled,
But lonely underneath.

Of course he left them all behind,
Returning to his room.
His supper sat there, nice and hot;
He’d eat it, we presume.

For at the end, we have no clue
About the time that passed;
Or if his mother changed her mind,
Her guilt on board at last.

What matters though, as Sendak knew,
Is Max was drawn back home;
And there he found security
Despite his need to roam.

This magic book, though very odd,
No reader can resist.
The genius who created it
Will very much be missed.

(In honor of Maurice Sendak, 6/10/28 – 5/8/12)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Pritts Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 11:52 PM
I grew up on Mother Goose and other nursery rhymes. I think that's where I got my love for rhyme. These days, if it doesn't come in the form of rap, the kids can't connect. What a sad situation. You've written a gem here. Let's keep the good rhyme alive. :-)
Pettit Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 9:24 PM
We lost a very talented writer the other day. Your poem renders a great description of his type of work.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 6:32 PM
A terrific commemoration of a most gifted writer! You, too, have been inspired by literature... Well done!! Best wishes, Keith
Brown Avatar
May 9, 2012 at 6:50 AM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry this morning Ilene. Hope you have a great day. Love, Carol
Grisetti Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 3:42 PM
What a great tribute to a well known writer. Senadk will long be remembered. Nice poem.
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