Poetry Friday: A Little Bit of Thanksgiving Nonsense

One of the messages I try to impart to young writers is that, despite what our school lessons might sometimes suggest, poetry doesn’t always have to be a serious endeavour. Poetry doesn’t have to be sombre or “deep”, it doesn’t need to have a message, moral, theme, or even purpose! As a young writer I remember feeling discouraged and intimidated because I didn’t have anything “real” to say – what could a normal, boring girl from the suburbs every write about that would really “matter”? How could I write poetry if I didn’t have anything “deep” to write about?

Well, one of the things that makes poetry so special is the way that it can be different things to different people at different times. Poetry can in fact be fun! It can also be silly, strange, weird, random, or downright nonsensical. If you’re in the mood to write something that doesn’t make any sense, go right ahead and write it. Want to write about your cat, your toothbrush, or your favourite candy flavour? You be you!

In that spirit, I’m sharing a little bit of Thanksgiving-inspired poetry nonsense this Poetry Friday. We celebrated Thanksgiving earlier this week here in Canada (I’ve actually got a Thanksgiving-related book post, if you’re interested!), and we had a small but delicious family dinner with all the traditional and delicious fixings. While trying to walk off some of the many helpings of Thanksgiving dinner I consumed over the next few days, the rhythm of my steps brought this nonsensical little ditty into mind.

Turkey, turkey

Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble,

Stuffing, stuffing,

Gravy too.

Mashed potatoes,

Brussel sprouts, and berry sauce,

Corn and carrots,

Gravy too.

Pumpkin pie,

Whipping cream, more whipping cream,

Milky coffee,

Gravy too.

Whoops! No gravy, thank you!

I hope you enjoyed this silly little food-themed poem! And to all my poetry friends, keep being you and writing your words, whatever they might be!