I Might Have Misbehaved Today

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Illustration of child splashing in a mud puddle before his confused mother

Mom asked me when I misbehaved.
I said, “I’m not quite certain.
It may have been this morning when
I tried to climb the curtain.

“It might have been at lunch
while throwing pudding at the wall.
Or maybe when I shattered
several windows with my ball.

“Or maybe when my undies clogged
the toilet once again.
I might have misbehaved today.
I’m just not certain when.”

My mother wasn’t happy with
that answer that I gave.
From now on I’ll keep better track
of when I misbehave.

— Kenn Nesbitt

Reading Level: Grade 2
Topics: Poems about Friends and Family
Poetic Techniques: Alliteration, Dialogue, Imagery, Irony, List Poems, Narrative Poems
Word Count: 93

About This Poem

When I was a kid, it seems like I was always getting in trouble with my parents for misbehaving. The funny thing is, I usually didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. I was just having fun. I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to kick the newly planted flowers in the garden or chew on the edge of the dining room table. Somehow, though, my parents always disagreed. Those childhood memories were the inspiration for this poem, although once I started writing, the idea quickly took on a life of its own. I hope you enjoy it, and if you’ve ever gotten into trouble without quite understanding why, you might just recognize a little of yourself in this one.

Oh, and if you happen to like reading poems about other kids who misbehave, try these ones:

Use This Poem

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