As I Was Walking Down the Street
From the book A Festival for Frogs
As I was walking down the street
there was a man I didn’t meet
because he wasn’t there to see
and so, he didn’t notice me.
If he were there, I might have said,
“Your hat goes nicely with your head,”
then smiled and went upon my way,
except he wasn’t there that day.
In fact, he wasn’t there before
or afterward, and nevermore
shall I espy that man I missed
because that man does not exist.
That’s why I never said, “Hello,”
or shook his hand or watched him go.
I’m pretty sure he didn’t care
because I also wasn’t there.
— Kenn Nesbitt
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Reading Level: Grade 4
Topics: Imaginary Poems, Wacky Weirdness
Poetic Techniques: Narrative Poems, Paradox Poems
Word Count: 109
From the book A Festival for Frogs
Use This Poem
Would you like to use this poem in your classroom? Would you like permission to reprint, record, recite or broadcast this poem, or set it to music? Please click on one of the following links for permissions and reprint rights information: