AJMcGregor

The Valentine

I knew Jane stole a valentine to me from Douglas Ryan, and when I asked her for it back, that’s when she started lyin’. She said, “I never touched that thing. Why would you think I had?” I knew that she was lying, so I started getting mad! “I know you did. You needn’t lie.”Continue reading “The Valentine”

Drying Dishes

Dan asks to dry the dishes, at least six times a year, and so his mother lets him, despite apparent fear. With care he stands there drying; the dear boy will not stop, and then it finally happens — some dishes he will drop. “I’m sorry,” he will stammer. “How it happened, I can’t guess.Continue reading “Drying Dishes”

Grandpa’s Sleep

My grandpa woke up from his nap, and now my mom is mad. She said I meant to wake him and really should feel bad. I told her I had made no noise — the noise was from my drum, but she just sighed and said that my excuse was really dumb. My mom isContinue reading “Grandpa’s Sleep”

The Day After Groundhog Day

It’s February third today, and in my den I plan to stay. I’m scared to venture out my door! My poor, old nerves can stand no more! On the second, yesterday, I thought I’d go outside and play, so from my den I happily walked — the scene before me left me shocked! Fifty cameras,Continue reading “The Day After Groundhog Day”

Her Brand New Style

Sally’s put some make-up on, but she is only three, and that’s the reason for the blob of lipstick on her knee. That’s the reason that you see mascara on her nose, and the reason she now has those multi-coloured toes. The little brush to polish nails sure made dear Sally smile, so now herContinue reading “Her Brand New Style”

Rules

Rules really get me down; they make my life a drag, ‘cause rules make the grown-ups tense, and make the grown-ups nag. Say “please” and “thanks” and “pardon me”; chew quietly as able. Don’t ever stare at other folks; no elbows on the table. At school, walk and never run; in class, don’t talk withContinue reading “Rules”

Revenge

I’m watering the garden on orders from my dad. I’m soaking all the carrots and really feeling glad. The water’s like a sabre I’m flashing high and low, and while the sun is shining, the water sure does glow. But now I see my sister who’s with her stupid friend who always looks at meContinue reading “Revenge”

Babysitting Ted

Last night I went to babysit a little boy named Ted, and everything went really well ‘til I said, “Time for bed.” Ted looked at me and shouted, “No!” and then ran from the room. I called his name, got no response — my mood, now one of gloom. To the kitchen I then wentContinue reading “Babysitting Ted”

Encouragement

My sister’s learning how to cook; Mom makes us eat each meal, and cause Meg needs “encouragement”, we can’t say what we feel. Dinner used to be a time when I’d relax and eat, because my mom’s the greatest cook, so each meal was a treat. My sister’s meals are not like Mom’s, despite theContinue reading “Encouragement”

Artistic Pursuits

Kenny was a drummer and he was only four; that’s why when once you heard him, you hoped to hear no more. He had no sense of rhythm, but thought he sounded good, and so he played as loudly as his drum set could. He crashed and banged each hour, so happy in his youth,Continue reading “Artistic Pursuits”