Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"As Soon As Fred Gets Out of Bed" is a humorous poem by Jack Prelutsky that explores the idea of a man who is so lazy that he never gets anything done until it's almost time to go back to bed. The poem was first published in 1983 as part of Prelutsky's collection of children's poetry, "A Pizza the Size of the Sun."

Explanation:

The poem tells the story of Fred, a man who is so lazy that he never does anything until the last minute. He doesn't get out of bed until the afternoon, and then spends the rest of the day procrastinating and putting off his responsibilities. He never cleans his house, pays his bills, or even feeds his cat until it's almost time for bed again. The poem is a humorous commentary on the dangers of procrastination and the importance of taking action and being productive.

Poetic Elements:

• Rhyme scheme: The poem has an AABB rhyme scheme, with the first and second lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, as do the third and fourth lines.
• Imagery: The poem creates vivid images of Fred's lazy lifestyle, such as his cluttered and dirty house, and the hungry, neglected cat.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is lighthearted and humorous, reflecting the playful nature of Prelutsky's children's poetry.
• Structure: The poem is written in four stanzas, each with four lines. The repetition of the AABB rhyme scheme and the consistent structure of the stanzas contribute to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem.

Conclusion:

"As Soon As Fred Gets Out of Bed" is a humorous and relatable poem that highlights the dangers of procrastination and the importance of being productive. Through vivid imagery, a lighthearted tone, and a consistent structure and rhyme scheme, Jack Prelutsky creates a playful and engaging poem that is sure to delight young readers.

Poem Snippet:

As soon as Fred gets out of bed,

his underwear goes on his head.

His mother laughs, "Don't put it there,

a head's no place for underwear!"