Funny Poems for Strange Times

Along with my assistance dog, Lola, I think we could all do with some fun parts to the day at the minute, so I intend to post a funny poem a day if at all possible – really funny, funny poems from books, out of copyright poems and also poems from well-known children’s poets! Let’s hear some laughter! For teachers, parents, children  (this is a safe site) and anyone who could do with a giggle.

The FIRST poem is one of my all-time favourites. It was selected by Gerard Benson for his excellent Signal Award winning book: this poem doesn’t rhyme, Puffin.

 

WHAT FOR!

 

One more word, said my dad,

And I’ll give you what for.

 

What for? I said.

 

That’s right, he said, what for!

 

No, I said, I mean what for?

What will you give me what for for?

 

Never you mind, he said. Wait and see.

 

But what is what for for? I said.

 

What’s what for for? he said,

It’s to teach you what’s what,

That’s what.

 

What’s that? I said.

Right, he said, you’re for it,

I’m going to let you have it.

 

Have what? I said.

 

Have what? He said,

What for, that’s what.

Do you want me to really give you

Something to think about?

 

I don’t know, I said,

I’m thinking about it.

 

Then he clipped me over the ear.

 

It was the first time he’d made sense

All day.

 

© Noel Petty