“Lemon/Lime by itself” Odes to the Unusual

This week we read “Ode to my socks” by Pablo Neruda. Students thought about the things they love and were challenged to write an ode to the most unusual. The below poems are a sample of the unexpected passions of Waters 6th and 7th graders, including Crystals, Birds, and Lemon/Lime by itself. Please enjoy!

Ms. Smallwood 6th Grade

Ode to the Animals Jake K.

If I could, I would feed
all the Animals,
deserving of food
of course
If not they would
become chow
for the others,
They’re the
source.

The lion is the King,
but he would taste
real nice,
to the zebra of
the plains,
with a side of rice.

Ode to the game Baxter W.

As I look at the screen, press a few buttons,
He moves. He swings, he hits, I choose, what to do.
Will I fight one, three, or none. Will I beat the game,
or run from fame. As the game of my childhood
continues, I get better, As the game of my adulthood
continues, I get stronger

Ode to My Crystals Sophia T.

My grandma got me
a box of crystals
for Christmas
some were rolled
some were raw

The raw ones were rough
The smooth ones were smooth

I didn’t only get a box of crystals
I also got a rose quartz necklace
and a crystal pendulum
the pendulum caught my eye,
“What’s this?” I ask my grandma
while holding up the pendulum
“A pendulum,” she says.

Ms. Hernandez 7th Grade

Ode to Lemon and Lime by itself Reeve S.

I like lemon and Lime, on its own.
It is sour, yellow or green, bumpy
It smells good. I like it because
it’s sour, and I like sour. Some
people don’t like sour, so they
don’t like lemon and limes. I eat
lemons/limes at restaurants when a
lime/lemon comes with my
food or one of my family’s.

Ode to the smell of gasoline Yusuf S.

The majestic smell,
as we stop the car when the tank is empty
the fluids rush into the car.
The saltiness, the sweetness, like a hug from the sun.
As we leave and the smell slowly fades away,
I wish we could stay just one more day.

Ode to birds Darcy A.

Ode to birds all
sent from the heavens
large and small
angelic wings to let them fly
let them soar high in the sky
hollow bones filled with air
covered in feathers
instead of hair
descended from dinosaurs
they continue their legacy
and some with webbed feet
gained access to the sea
dive far under to catch fish
Just to touch you
is what I wish
powerful beaks for every use
everywhere when set loose
Oh ode to birds
ode to birds all
sent from the heavens’
Glory never to fall

Select list(s) to subscribe to




CPC will not sell your email. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from The Chicago Poetry Center. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact