Ok, so I (Lisa) have always wanted to write a children's book. It's been at the back of my mind since I was at UCF. I just thought it would be fun. Then I met and married Sean, who has a little known talent as an artist...and he agreed to illustrate a book if I ever wrote one. (I'm sure he's thinking, Suuure, I'll illustrate your book...yeah right!) Well, I made a goal to do it this year, and this is my first attempt! Surprise Sean! I need illustrations!
So, I/we keep coming up with ideas that we think would be cute for a book and one of them was titled, "There's a Pirate in my Mouth." We wanted it to be about brushing teeth. I think it would be fun with gross pictures for boys. It ended up as a poem. Any potential? Here it is:
There’s a PIRATE in my Mouth!
One morning I woke up late for school
And barely had time to wipe off my drool.
I sat up straight in the top of the bunk
And hit my head on the light with a “thunk.”
I rolled off the bed and sighed with relief
When I landed on a pile of clothes in a heap.
I pulled on two socks, some shoes and a shirt.
Then picked the shorts that showed the least dirt.
I grabbed my backpack and ran down the stairs
Into the kitchen and over some chairs.
Snatched up my lunch and ran out the door,
Tripped over dad’s boots and fell on the floor.
I rolled to recover back up to my feet
And was sore to discover I had grass in my teeth.
I did my best to spit it out
Then ran to the bus stop to sit and to pout.
I had only a moment, it was there right away…
I limped to my seat to get ready for the day.
As I sat there to ponder the morning’s events
I opened my bag to scavage for mints.
For in my rush to make it on time
My teeth weren’t brushed and were covered in slime.
The grass that was lodged from my fall didn’t help
And it tickled my gums like fingers of kelp.
My situation worsened when I opened my lunch
A tuna fish sandwich, ranch chips and green punch!
I tried not to talk or smile in class
For fear that the smell would make someone gasp.
Oh how I wished for my trusty toothbrush
For the food that had gathered was turning to mush.
The ocean of fish, sea kelp and spices
Were swirling around – perfect whirlpools for pirates!
I could hear them singing their dreadful song
Making waves in the slush as they sailed along.
What was that? I winced and held my cheek.
A cannon? Did they just shoot at my teeth?
I panicked… OH NO… But what could I do?
Two hours left… Did I have gum to chew?
These pirates were vicious, pillaging my mouth
Their ships were raging up north and down south.
Just then, I remembered a lesson we had
And ran from the room, I hope my teacher wasn’t mad!
I sped through the hall, turned a corner, then one more
Then slid to a stop at the nurse’s door.
No knock. I entered. Both hands on her desk.
I started charades to see if she could guess.
Her expression showed concern, surprise and shock.
What was wrong… Couldn’t she see that the pirates had docked?
They were climbing my mountains of teeth with their ropes
Swinging through the gaps… and with swords that could poke!
Smelly or not, I had to speak
I opened my mouth and let out a squeek.
She didn’t understand what I was talking about
So I yelled my loudest:
“THERE ARE PIRATES IN MY MOUTH!”
She took a deep breath, lips spread into a grin
Hands on her hips, she lifted her chin.
“Well, why didn’t you say so!” she said in reply.
Then went to her cabinet and got the supplies.
I grabbed them quick then rushed to the sink
Took off the cap…the toothbrush was pink?
“I’m a boy!” I thought, but this was an emergency
These pirates had lived long enough in my sea.
With a vengeance I brushed, as the paste left its tingle
And I laughed as the pirates sang their last jingle.
I didn’t feel bad, not a little remorse
And I spit out their ships and changed their course.
“Ahhh, refreshing!” I thought as I turned to see
Principal Carlson standing there staring at me.
I was a little nervous as I smiled and mumbled
Something about pink toothbrushes, pirates and being humbled.
She just shook her head and gave me a pass.
I smiled with relief and went back to class.
The lesson I learned was important that day.
And the next time I’m late
I’ll wear a fresh mouth and PJ’s!
