|
Cool!
This
is the common response of children who read Derby's poems, which appeal to
elementary age children. Silly, imaginative, and fun, Derby's poetry
uses simple, recognizable rhythms that children enjoy reading,
especially aloud.
For
copies of Derby's poems, either print this page using your browser
toolbar, or use Copy and Paste to copy a poem to another application such
as Microsoft Word. Please include the copyright statement. Thank you.
Teachers:
We are often asked for a
packet of Derby's poems for classroom reading. You can request a free packet
of ten poems by clicking here
(see privacy
statement).
Student
Pictures: Do you
want to share the pictures of a snert that your students have drawn,
or pictures of other Derby poems? We'd love to display them. The submission guidelines are here.
E-mail
a friend about this site
Questions
or comments
Privacy
statement
|
|
I
am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is
more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles
the world.
--
Albert Einstein
|
More
Derby Hampton Poetry
Derby Page 1
If
Hippos Formed a Pirate Crew
(Derby's
latest posting)
My
Pets Are Most Unusual
Classroom
Torment
Derby
Page 2
More
poetry on Home Page
|
If
Hippos Formed a Pirate Crew
by
Derby
Hampton
If
hippos formed a pirate crew,
they
could learn needed skills.
They
simply need to practice them
in
daily pirate drills.
Their
brains are small, but they could learn
to
plan a raiding trip.
And
also how to read a map
and
navigate a ship
If
all the hippos save their change
they
soon could buy a boat.
Then
why aren't any hippos found
on
pirate ships afloat?
The
problem for a hippo crew
is
when they board, I think.
As
hefty hippos squeeze on board -
|
the |
|
|
|
|
|
ship |
|
|
|
|
|
would |
|
|
|
|
|
surely |
|
|
|
|
|
sink! |
(Copyright © Derby Hampton. This
poem may be used for classroom reading or as a classroom resource.
The author's name and copyright must be included.)
|
|
My
Pets Are Most Unusual
by
Derby
Hampton
My
pets are most unusual,
they
all need extra care.
When
I take them out for a walk,
most
people point and stare.
I
keep a shaggy lioness,
she
acts so very rude.
At
dinner, she sits on my lap
and
gulps down most my food.
Out
back, I have my elephant,
which
is kind of nifty.
I
let the neighbor kids ride him
for
a dollar fifty.
I
also have a pet giraffe,
who
really is too tall.
At
night, when he sleeps on my bed,
his
feet reach to the hall.
Mom
asked if I would like more pets.
I
told her no, I’m through.
Please
no
more pets for me while mom
is
working at the zoo.
(Copyright
© Derby Hampton. This
poem may be used for classroom reading or as a classroom resource.
The author's name and copyright must be included.)
|
Classroom
Torment
by
Derby
Hampton
Too
long I have been sitting,
my
bottom is asleep.
My
hand has cramped from writing,
I
may soon start to weep.
I’m
gasping as I breathe in,
the
air is growing stale.
And
from the lack of fresh air
I
have become quite pale.
I’ve
pleaded with the teacher:
Please
let your students free.
She
only rolls her eyeballs
and
asks what’s wrong with me.
I’ve
endured enough class time,
every
moment adds stress.
Five
whole minutes have now passed
since
we last had recess!
(Copyright
© Derby Hampton. This
poem may be used for classroom reading or as a classroom resource.
The author's name and copyright must be included.)
|
Top
of the page |
