I Will Not Go to Bed

The following poem tells of a young child who wishes to defy her mother and father and not go to bed. Everyone at some point in their existence has wished to disobey authority. The poem parodies this fact with elements of nonsense and humor, a trait common to the children's poem. ( My inspiration for the poem undoubedly derived from Sword's collection of poems. ) I composed this poem in honor of our poetry unit in the classroom.

I Will Not Go to Bed

I will not go to bed

Upon your most urgent request

You might be the boss

But I certainly know best

I would rather eat an asparagus

As large as my head

You might be my parents

But I WILL NOT go to bed

I would rather swim in a tank

Of carnivorous sharks

Or sit in my room

All alone in the dark

I would rather Aunt Norma

Pinch my cheeks until they are pink

Or have an enormous python

In the kitchen sink

I would rather do my homework

Twelve days in a row

Or even wear my hair

In a ridiculous bow

I will not go to bed

So instead I will play

Enough barbies and dressup

To last for two days

But before I begin

To play princess or jacks

I must take a break

And simply relax

For I am getting tired

Yes, a nap just might do

I will continue my protest tomorrow

If it is all the same to you

So, please remember tomorrow

My most urgent plea

I will not go to bed

You just wait and see