When You See a Stranger

A bit of silliness for the kids. Prosody is a bit off and there are inconsistencies stanza-to-stanza, but luckily, kids don't notice

When You See a Stranger

A question for kids

 

 

You see a stranger on the street

Where would you go, if you wore his feet?

 

Is he kind to his children? Is he nice to his wife?

Or is his day troubled…and filled with strife?

 

With what kind of treat does he end his meal?

Is it ice cream and pie, or crackers with eel?

 

Is reddish purple his favorite hue?

Or greenish red, all mixed with blue?

 

Does he drive a car or row a boat?

Fly an eagle…or ride a goat?

 

How does he get where he hopes to be?

Perhaps he swings from tree-to-tree?

 

Is his family nice or zombie-esque?

Do they call to talk or only text?

 

Do they read a book or do they dance?

When danger calls do they take a chance?

 

But, asking that, a thought occurs.

Would they like your world?

Would you like theirs?

Reviews

[Martiya Daman]

This poem is both imaginative and meaningful, offering children a playful way to explore empathy and understanding. The whimsical scenarios like "swinging from tree-to-tree" or "crackers with eel" spark curiosity while gently guiding readers to consider other perspectives. The closing question, “Would they like your world? Would you like theirs?” is particularly profound, encouraging reflection on our own lives and interactions.

Its rhyming pattern and light-hearted tone make it perfect for kids, but the deeper message about kindness, diversity, and self-awareness resonates with all ages. A truly thoughtful and creative piece, Jay!

[andrewkbergerauthor]

Hi Jay, nice poem. I confess I can't figure out how to contact you regarding your review other than chatting with you through a review box. I did send you a friend request. Thanks for your constructive writing advice. I know it comes from the heart. Kind of makes me wonder what kept you reading after the first paragraphs. You're the only person to contact me thus far on this platform so thanks. You put a lot of time and thought into your advice, so I wanted to let you know I appreciated it. Food for thought. Andrew

[Brandy]

Clever and creative, indeed !
The truth is, we're all strangers to someone we've never met before.
So many thoughts to ponder within. Thanks for the smile this evening.

Hmm, I think I'll swing from tree to tree, and see where it gets me. : )

[apennylate]

Also... Here, JayG...
Since you are so keen on enforcing "professional" critiques on writers who literally did not ask for them...
https://www.reddit.com/r/poetry_critics/?rdt=58594
That is a link to a reddit page with MANY avid critics, like yourself!
Plus, your behavior is not only encouraged, it is mandated to even post/join!
So why stir up all this trouble, if you TRULY aim only to help less fortunate writers than yourself...
Pages that writers actually ASK for your critiques exist! GO TO THEM!
It might just be one of the MOST PRODUCTIVE ways you could go about doing... Whatever it is you believe in your heart of hearts you are accomplishing by trolling new writers on a dead poetry site.
God bless, and cheers!

[Einstein Noodle]

i don't know, JayG! would they like my world? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ;) i like the whimsy .. lots of childlike appeal says i! thanks for sharing
E..