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NEW POEMS! — Check it Out:
School-Visit Poems...by students! Teacher & Principal Poems
School Lunch Poems Classroom Zoo Poems


Poetry Class Poetry Fun
Learn how to write nursery rhymes, limericks, list poems, and more! Fill-in-the-blank poems,
poetry theater, and more!
You and your friends can perform poetry plays with these popular and funny poems.


Autobiography
Read Bruce Lansky's autobiography and see if you can spot all the fibs!


Challenge yourself with these fun
word games!

Ask the Poet

Read interviews with your
favorite poets and ask
your own questions!

Ask Linda Knaus
about the Most Important Job

Ask Kathy Kenney-Marshall
about Poetry & Kids

More Ask the Poet interviews.

Authors In Schools
Authors In Schools
Hey teachers, learn how to invite
your students' favorite poets to your
school, including Bruce Lansky,
Kenn Nesbitt, Ted Scheu, Bill Dodds,
Robert Pottle, Charles Ghigna,
Eric Ode, and others.


   
   
 

What I Found in My Desk

 


 

by Bruce Lansky

 


 
 
 

A ripe peach with an ugly bruise,
a pair of stinky tennis shoes,
a day-old ham-and-cheese on rye,
a swimsuit that I left to dry,
a pencil that glows in the dark,
some bubble gum found in the park,
a paper bag with cookie crumbs,
an old kazoo that barely hums,
a spelling test I almost failed,
a letter that I should have mailed,
and one more thing, I must confess,
a note from teacher: Clean This Mess!!!!

 

Text © Bruce Lansky, reprinted from No More Homework! No More Tests! published by Meadowbrook Press. Illustration © Stephen Carpenter. Any copying or use of this poem or illustration without consent is unlawful.

 


The Story Behind the Poem:
I’ve always been a pack rat who doesn’t throw anything out. That’s why my school desk was completely gross. I got many notes from teachers to "Clean This Mess."


Click the cover below for more information or to buy the book.