Sprouts and Beans
This kid really doesn't like to eat their vegetables!
I hate brussel sprouts! I hate lima beans! My mom says they’re great. I don’t know what she means. ‘Cause I hate them! I hate them! I’d rather eat sand or fire or gravel or a big rubber band.
I sit at the table refusing to swallow. I don’t care that my stomach feels empty and hollow. I won’t let those vegetables slide down my throat. I’m no garbage disposal! I’m no billy goat!
I spread them out on my plate so it seems that I’ve eaten some sprouts and I’ve tasted some beans. But mom’s much too smart to fall for my tricks. I’ll be sitting at this table till I turn 96!
She won’t let me eat cake, or just leave the table till I’ve cleaned my plate, but I swear I’m not able. I don’t want to make trouble or cause any scenes but I hate brussel sprouts and I hate lima beans!
Where can I hide them? Oh what can I do? Come over here Sparky, I’ll give some to you. No, he won’t eat this, he’s too picky for that. (He looks like a dog, but he acts like a cat.)
I could hide them in the flowers, or stash them in my napkin. I could do some pocket stuffin’ or some really good cheek packin’. I could slip them in my underwear, but that would feel too funny. I’d give anything to leave this table – even all my money!
My mom is getting mad because my family’s done with dinner. They’re watching Wheel of Fortune and I want to see the winner. But I’ll be stuck here at this table for the next three Halloweens. I hate brussel sprouts and I hate lima beans!
Copyright Arden Davidson, 2019
POEM FOR KIDS WRITTEN BYÂ ARDEN DAVIDSON
Illustration created with elements from Pixabay.
LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE POEM ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS
Healthy Eating
1. Why do you think the Mum in this poem is making their child stay at the table to eat their beans? Do you think she is right to do this? Why or why not?
2. This poem is about someone who doesn’t like some kinds of vegetables. What are some things you like about vegetables?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ MORE POEMS FROM THE SAME AUTHOR?
What’s Weird About A Mirror: 101 Curious Poems
written by Arden Davidson and published by Storyberries.
It’s a long-awaited, hilarious collection of children’s poems by poet Arden Davidson, and includes topics ranging from a snoring grandma to a six-footed camel to reflections on the weirdness of mirrors.
