poetry for boys....seriously

Have you ever noticed that boys and girls are different from each other?  Bwaahaaa.

I know that is a very sexist thing to say.  But it so true.

It is GOOD.  All is right in the world!  Blessed Pope John II words will echo through the ages:

EQUAL BUT NOT THE SAME.

That could morph into a very long and philosophical debate, but for the purpose of this post, I just want to talk about how that plays out in poetry.  Want to get your boys to love poetry?  There is some really awesome stuff out there.

We always start with Ogden Nash, who has written many short and funny poems.  His fun with words tickles the fancy of most children, and in particular the boys.

Here are a couple of short favourites of ours by Mr. Nash

THE CENTIPEDE
I objurgate the centipede,
A bug we do not really need.
We always wallop where he's not,
Or if he is, he makes a spot.

THE PANTHER
The panther is like a leopard,
Except he hasn't been peppered,
Should you behold a panther crouch,
Prepare to say Ouch.
Better yet, if called by a panther,
Don't anther.

Hilaire Belloc is also a favourite poet in our house.  He has some great short poems, such as The Yak and The Frog.  He also has a few tongue in cheek cautionary tales that are graphically horrendously gruesome in their humour but nonetheless, right up the boys alley.  

A couple of poetry resources not to be without for dictation and poetry appreciation are:

Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris.  Such a great selection of poetry for kids, and well organized and cross referenced by topic, poet and first line.

The Poet's Eye by Arthur Alexander.  A short and sweet book on poetry appreciation, good for any age.  My sons particularly appreciated this book, simple and funny and to the point.  This is a great family read aloud book.  Sadly out of print now but happily available cheap online at used booksellers such as ABE books or ALIBRIS.  He takes any perceived fluff out of poetry, and presents it as a cultural norm, historically significant and worth getting to know.  All with a smirk.  Brilliant.