The Spinach Problem

My friend has spinach in his teeth. I don’t know what to do. If I tell him, he’ll be mad at me. If I don’t, he’ll be mad too.

If I let him walk around with spinach hanging from his gums how can I believe that we’re true friends, that we’re true chums.

But if I’m the one who tells him, He might think that I am mean. My friend has spinach in his teeth, but I don’t want a scene.

Maybe if I wrote a note and didn’t sign my name. Maybe if I gave him hints like part of some fun game.

No, I just can’t do it. I just cannot tell my friend that he has spinach in his teeth, our friendship sure will end.

Uh Oh, here comes Rebecca. She is sure to make a fuss. She’ll see the spinach in his teeth and then tease both of us.

She told him! Told him right up front! And now he’s thanking her. I can’t believe it, there they go, great friends, Oh, I’m so sure!

So now I sit here all alone. Shoulda spoken, I suppose. Think I’ll go tell Rebecca she’s got something in her nose.

 

Copyright Arden Davidson, 2019

 

POEM FOR KIDS WRITTEN BY ARDEN DAVIDSON

Illustration by Kseniya Shagieva

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEM ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Friendship

1. Would you have told your friend if they had spinach in between their teeth? Why or why not?

2. Do you think friends should tell each other everything?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ MORE POEMS FROM THE SAME AUTHOR?

What’s Weird About A Mirror: 101 Curious Poems

written by Arden Davidson and published by Storyberries.

It’s a long-awaited, hilarious collection of children’s poems by poet Arden Davidson, and includes topics ranging from a snoring grandma to a six-footed camel to reflections on the weirdness of mirrors.