Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

2/19/09

THIS IS JUST TO SAY

This is just to say
that I don't get it.
If the plural of man is men,
why the plural of tan isn't ten?
If house is houses,
why mouse isn't mouses?
If I saw three deer,
why can't I say "I saw three deers"?
If I hear many good news,
why can't I say, "Those are good news!"
This is just to say
that I don't get plurals--
in English, that is.

6 comments:

Edie Hemingway said...

Carmen,
This is just to say that I agree with you about the complexities of the English language. Great take on the poem!

Lauren said...

You bring up some very disturbing points about the english language. I don't get it either-- but it is kind of nice too... complexities make life interesting.

Great poem Carmen!

David LaRochelle said...

Personally, I always misspeak when it comes to plurals and singulars for data/datum and alumni/alumnus.

I'm in awe of anyone who can learn English as a second language.

Christy said...

My daughter is learning Spanish. Just yesterday we were agreeing that Spanish often makes more sense than English.

betsy woods said...

Carmen,

is this a picture book manuscript in-the-making? Methinkithso.
Happy Mardi Gras!

Stephanie said...

So true:)