Saturday, November 17, 2012

Saturday

 
Today, I am home and I awake to a quiet house this Saturday.  I am flooded with memories of my son performing Shell Silverstein's "Sick" poem on stage with his bathrobe and bugs bunny stuffed animal.
He was in 2nd grade.  The poem is rather long but he was determined to recite it at the talent show.

Sick

 
by Shel Silverstein

"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut--my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

My daughter has been fighting "sick" all week long, two days home, a visit to the doctor.  Each day she has been complaining of a new ache and then last night rebounded for ice skating and a sleepover.  I think knowing that it was Saturday made her feel more playful.  Part of me wanted to say, No, you are still sick, but then the other part of me knows that Saturdays should be all about playing and feeling fine.  I love this painting for the happy cheery colors.  Saturdays do somehow provide a sort of miraculous recovery.

Have a playful Saturday.

artist source

11 comments:

Acquired Objects said...

I love this post Patricia and I truly hope your daughter is feeling much better. Enjoy your peace for a little while.

XXX
Debra~

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

I love Saturdays because I get to sleep in - my guilty pleasure! With all the kids gone I can get away with it but next Saturday morning I will be up and cooking breakfast for a crowd (and I can't wait!)

vicki archer said...

Glad your baby is better... and I agree... Saturdays are full of promise... Happy Saturday Patricia... xv

The Buzz Blog said...

So agree - Saturdays are about fun and relaxation (and catching up on blog posts!) But given that our boys still have practice at 8 in the morning, our day starts early...
xxoo
C + C

Formerly known as Frau said...

Hope she is feeling better soon...kids have so little down time it's important to have fun and be a kid too! Have a wonderful weekend!

kayce hughes said...

Love that poem!

Jennifer C. Webb said...

ha....2nd grade ha, that is impressive. Saturdays....and suckers heal the sick little girls around here. Best wishes for her speedy recovery.

Love the color in that painting....going to explore artist's work

Claudia Lane said...

I love the colours of the artwork too. And the poem. I hope that your daughter is on the mend now x

MJH Design Arts said...

Oh, such wonderful memories of my daughter reciting/reading Shell Silverstein to me. And how we giggled together. Now she does that with her boys. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week. xoxo
Mary

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Thank you for reminding me of this wonderful poem. My son always seems to be "sick" on Mondays...but then perks up around 3! I love this painting!

Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home said...

oh i just loved this poem as a kid!! thanks for reminding me! :)