Bubblegum. A punctured tyre, A strawberry scent.
A soggy squidgy mass trans- ported, Into the treasure chest.
Saliva dribbles, teeth nibble.
It’s swirled and twirled, Around your mouth.
By Joseph Keenoy, aged nine, of Chiswick and Bedford Park Prep School, west London, who receives Great Snakes! (VikingPuffin). The school receives the Poetry Society’s teachers’ newsletter, a quarterly bulletin which includes features on innovative approaches to poetry in the classroom. For Poetry Society events, ring 0171 240 4810.
An authentic and fanciful little piece, this precisely gets the feel of its subject. It must be 40 years since I last unsuccessfully attempted to pop the stuff; now if I want to remember what it was like I shan’t have to try again but can simply read Joseph’s poem. Notice how he gives it a tune with assonance, alliteration and happily placed rhymes.
Kit Wright
