Every year I judge a state writing contest, LA Writes! Teachers gather to choose finalists to send to author judges. I never judge the elementary entries since that is the level I teach. Laurie was reading a stack of 5th grade poems when she came to me and said, “I have to share this with you. It’s not a winning poem, but the first line is so hilarious that I was laughing so hard I had to take a puff of my inhaler!”
Then I noticed the title, “Lovely Owen Liles.” My cousin Andrew has a daughter named Owen, and they live in New Orleans. Wait! I turned over to find the entry blank and sure enough, the poem was written by my cousin Amos who is in fifth grade. Laurie was right, it wasn’t contest winning, but it certainly won my heart and made me laugh out loud!
Lovely Owen Lilesby Amos LilesYou make me laugh when you toot, and it smells like dead possum.Have I told you that you make me laugh when you make that facewhere you wrinkle your lips.Have I told you that you are so cute even a princesspuppy is not cute.Have I told you that you are so generous you get me alollipop everytime you go swimming.Have I told you that you are so fun like when you makeme laugh when I’m sad.You are the best.
Out of the mouths of babes…and siblings! Sounds like a warm and funny family that allows such freedom of expression. I would like to read a poem by Amos in about ten years. And, yes, Owen is lovely.
Funny! I love the format of this poem, too. Will make a note of it… A “Have I Told You” poem would work well in my classes. Thank you.
Love for a sister in a poem, wow. This is funny, but oh so sweet. How fun that in your judging you discovered it!
What a wonderful coincidence that your cousin’s poem landed on your desk–and that toot is a hoot! Amos and Owen sound like they are quite the pair.
Very cute! You can see the personality in the poem 🙂 thanks for the laugh!
Here’s my slice if you want to read it 🙂 http://hannahshappenings.net/2017/06/06/wooed-by-words-tuesday-sol/
I see that creative gene runs in your family! I see lots more hilarious poems in Owen’s future.
Sweet to find that even the young ones in your family have that creative gene.
How fun and unexpected. This poem is pure kid. Fun and funny!
What a sweet girl with a lovely, thoughtful (and funny!) poem. Who is she writing it to? Love the picture too. She is quite lovely!
The poem was written by her brother, Amos.
Another budding writer amidst your family, Margaret. Amos’ opening line is a charming one-leave it to a brother to write that.