Some of Larry's Original Poems & Gary Smith's Original Art Work 

This poem is based on a true story.  When Larry was in kindergarten, he didn't know how to tie his shoes.  Since the girls seemed more advanced, he would beg them to tie his shoes for him.

Learning To Tie My Shoes

I tried to learn to tie my shoes,

But failed I must confess.

The loops and knots and bows and twirls

Became a tangled mess.

I begged the smartest girl in class

To teach me how to tie.

I traded gum and chocolate cake

And all my apple pie.

'Cause Haley said she'd teach me how,

That anyone could learn.

She showed me ten, then twenty times,

Before it was my turn.

So now I'm careful when I walk

On gravel, sand or rocks.

For Haley ate my pie and cake,

And I just wear my socks.

© Larry Howland

____________________________________ 

Spelling Wanna Bee

Lazy Lucas

There was a lazy boy at school,

As lazy as a slug.

His friends helped lift his shoulders up

When Lucas had to shrug.

He used his collie for a horse

To pull him in a cart.

He slept through English, spelling, crafts

And science, math and art.

Sometimes he didn't know his name,

Because he wouldn't think.

His eyes were open all the time,

It was a strain to blink.

He didn't like to make his bed,

He used it every night.

His mama had to blow his nose.

And help him take a bite.

He didn't have the energy

To hiccup, burp or yawn.

He was so slow it took two years

To walk across the lawn.

When summer came, he stayed at school.

Today you'll find there.

But Lucas is a boy no more,

We use him as a chair.

© Larry Howland

______________________________

My teacher asked the question;

I spelled it silently.

I couldn't quite rmember

If "i" preceded "e".

I blurted out the answer,

Then I turned red with shame.

The room was filled with giggles

When I misspelled my name!

© Larry Howland