Remembering Dr. Seuss

Samantha, whom I affectionately call “Sam-I-am,” after the character in the 1960 classic Green Eggs and Ham, by one of my favorite authors, told me that students are wearing black and red to school today in honor of Dr. Seuss.
In pursuit of the poetry that has often eluded me, and to help Samantha know just what is possible, this poem is dedicated to her – and to children everywhere who struggle to make the most of what they have, even when what they have isn’t much.
It’s my personal take on that great inspirational book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, with my sincerest apologies to Theodor Seuss Geisel (and my beloved Professor Sherman)!
My Seussism
When life gets too scary
to face on your own,
just try to remember
you’re never alone.
If hiccups and walnuts
and things quite absurd,
get in your way, why,
just try to be self-assured.
Your thoughts and ideas
will serve you so well,
that everyone who sees you
won’t even be able to tell…
That when you’re grinning
with head held up high,
inside you’re quaking,
ready to die.
So in the long run
hang on for the ride.
Grab everything life offers,
even if it’s not all pie!