Learning

by Judith Viorst

I'm learning to say thank you.
And I'm learning to say please.
And I'm learning to use Kleenex,
Not my sweater, when I sneeze.
And I'm learning not to dribble.
And I'm learning not to slurp.
And I'm learning (though it sometimes really hurts me)
Not to burp.
And I'm learning to chew softer
When I eat corn on the cob.
And I'm learning that it's much
Much easier to be a slob.

Judith Viorst is the author of many poetry collections, newspaper columns, and novels (most recently Necessary Losses, but is probably best known for her children's books, including If I Were In Charge of the World and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I should probably read the latter, and see if it compares with my recent THNGVB days.