Here is a poem from my new spring book, Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. This poem is about a plant that grows on top of the pond. Pictured on the page is a duck, swimming (it's the picture on the cover, too--see below). Can you guess which plant I’m writing about? To find the answer, go to the Song of the Water Boatman page and scroll down to the book’s Table of Contents.

A Small Green Riddle

by Joyce Sidman

I float without air.

I root without soil.

Eaten by all,

named for one.

The color of grass,

water-carpet,

I grow daughters like ears.

I am no bigger

than a splatter of paint.

Soon, I will take over the pond.

Poetry Idea

This is called a Riddle Poem. The poet tries to give just enough clues for the reader to guess the subject of the poem—but not too many, or it’s too easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Think of an object. It can be something in your house or classroom. It can be an interesting plant or animal (let’s say, a snake).

2. Study your object carefully (library books with pictures can help). Brainstorm words associated with that object—the way it looks, moves, what it eats, where it grows (slither, thin, wavy, no legs, feels with forked tongue, venom, scales, patterns, smooth, sleek, silent, beady eyes, eats mice & frogs).

3. Brainstorm metaphors that describe your object (rope, hose, string, wavy stick, whip).

4. Then, begin writing your poem, taking the voice of your object, and using all the good ideas & words you’ve just brainstormed: (I am the rope that comes alive, / whipping through the autumn grass. / Scaly yet smooth. / Legless yet quick. / I swallow frogs whole . . .)

5. Read it to someone else and see if they can guess your riddle!

Poetry Now!

Every once in a while, I come across a poem that I want to share. Read this one and see if you like it, too. Then, for a writing challenge, look at the "Poetry Idea." I'll change this poem every month or so. If you want more writing challenges, go to the Poem Starters page.

Poetry Now! Archives

Joyce Sidman