Saturday, May 10, 2008

Almost Perfect...But Not Quite

I think this is one of Shel Silverstein's best works...I love the irony in the poem and the way he was able to get such a great point across to us through this simple poetry.

ALMOST PERFECT BUT NOT QUITE
"Almost perfect… but not quite."
Those were the words of Mary Hume
At her seventh birthday party,
Looking ‘round the ribboned room."
This table cloth is pink not white—
Almost perfect… but not quite."

"Almost perfect… but not quite."
Those were the words of grown-up Mary
Talking about her handsome beau,
The one she wasn’t gonna marry.
"Squeezes me a bit too tight—
Almost perfect… but not quite."

"Almost perfect… but not quite."
Those were the words of ol’ Miss Hume
Teaching in the seventh grade,
Grading papers in the gloom
Late at night up in her room.
"They never cross their t’s just right—
Almost perfect… but not quite."

Ninety-eight the day she died
Complainin’ ‘bout the spotless floor.
People shook their heads and sighed,
"Guess that she’ll like heaven more.
"Up went her soul on feathered wings,
Out the door, up out of sight.
Another voice from heaven came—
"Almost perfect… but not quite."
-Shel Silverstein

And yes, I regret to announce that I will be traveling AGAIN for the next two weeks, so I may not get around to the computer too much for a little while....


Seize The Day!
-StrongJoy

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, I love this poem myself. I also love reading Shel Silversten, some of his poems are hilarious!

I know that I haven't been around for a very long time, I hope you still remember me!

Have a very cheerful, very bright day!
Eyebright

Anonymous said...

Hope you have fun on your travels! Thinking of you!

Love
MJ

Anonymous said...

That is fun... Shel Silverstein has some fun poems. :)

joaquin carvel said...

I remember reading Shel as a kid and thinking he was hilarious.

I read him now and can't believe how insightful and brilliant his work is.

Also, thank you for sharing "Sonnet II". It is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

hey.excuse me ,u guys/!
i just want to ask you if who's mary hume in the poem?.i just need the answer for my assignment.pls.tnx!.