1. Read the following parodies and write the message of each one down in a
complete sentence. Then write about each poem in your journal and be
prepared to discuss it. (Think about the rhyme scheme, etcetera.)
In Russia . . . The Old Woman in the Shoe - Frank Jacobs
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
With Boris, ten kids, and a pet kangaroo;
She said, “Though it’s cramped and from feet it is smelling,
In Moscow, it’s known as a luxury dwelling.
In France . . .Mary Had a Small Café – Frank Jacobs
Mary had a small café;
Mary’s prices now are high;
The meals she served were nice;
How come? Well, here’s the reason –
And ev’ryone who came agreed
Today officially begins
She charged a modest price.
A brand-new tourist season.
Little Miss Muffet – Frank Jacobs
Little Miss Muffet
There dropped (from a glider)
Crouched on a tuffet
An H-bomb beside her –
Collecting her shell-shocked wits.
Which frightened Miss Muffet to bits.
2. Now write your own parody of a poem that includes a message to
society. You may use a famous nursery rhyme like the examples above or
another poem of your choice (but you will then need to bring a copy of the
poem to class). Be sure to keep the rhyme scheme as well as the rhythm of
the poem intact.