ODE TO A COMMODE by Brian P. Cleary

Bibliography

Cleary, Brian P. 2015. Ode to a Commode: Concrete Poems. Ill. Andy Rowland. Minneapolis: Millbrook Press. ISBN 9781467744546

Critical Analysis

Cleary writes about simple everyday objects and activities, but breathes new life into them through the use of concrete poetry. While concrete poems are more about the structure and physical appearance of the poem, Cleary also writes in a way that the poems could be understood and appreciated even if the form could not be seen. Each poem brings to light unique and sometimes surprising elements about mundane subjects. Who knew a fork could provide such inspiration for a poem.
The silly, yet complex nature of these poems make them enjoyable for people of all ages. Younger readers will enjoy the sillier aspect while older elementary readers could really dive into the descriptive aspect.
Cleary maintains his poetic style, using rhythm and rhyme to drive each poem forward, while Rowland shapes the poems through the use of color and form in his understated illustrations where the poem is clearly the centerpiece of each page.

Example

I would introduce this book to kids simply for the hilarity of the poems at first. While I enjoyed reading the poems in this book all the way through, I think that reading just one poem at a time and giving time to digest the form and content would lend itself better for use on a level beyond enjoyment. I think using this book to introduce the concept of concrete poetry would be perfect, because Cleary describes concrete poetry and almost issues a challenge to the reader to write his or her own poem in the introduction. Along with the form, I would highlight the descriptive nature of each poem and teach that as well.

*Because the illustration and physical layout of the poem is so important, it will be difficult to recreate that here with the use of simple text. I will increase spacing between some words in my attempt to create the shape.

What About Me?

Fans

will  clap

for  kickers  as

I'm sailing through

the  post.  And  when

I'm    caught,    receivers

get to be the ones who boast.

And     when     I'm    carried

past   the   goal,   just   look

around and see - the cheers

are   for   the   running

back,   but   why

aren't   they

for me?