me and books: poetry

If I were in charge of the world

I'd cancel oatmeal,

Monday mornings,

Allergy shots, and also

Sara Steinberg.

If I were in charge of the world

There'd be brigther night lights,

Healthier hamsters, and

Basketball baskets forty-forty eight inches lower.

If I were in charge of the world

You wouldn't have lonely.

You wouldn't have clean.

You wouldn't have bedtimes.

Or "Don't punch your sister."

You wouldn't even have sisters.

If I were in charge of the world

A chocolate sundae with whipped cream and nuts

would be vegetable.

All 007 movies would be G.

And a person who sometimes forgot to brush,

And sometimes forgot to flush,

Would still be allowed to be

In charge of the world.

* Gorgeous illustrations by Lynne Cherry

for Judith Viorst's book with the same title.