Rick Licks Gramp’s Stamps
By Margaret Eshbaugh
(Second place – adult competition)
Hello, Gramp.
This is Rick.
I need a stamp.
I need it quick.
Sorry, Rick.
My stamps won’t stick.
My stamps got damp.
My stamps are stuck.
You’re out of luck.
Oh, Gramp!
What will I do?
I need a stamp
That has some glue.
I need to mail a letter.
I need to send a letter
to the Band-Aid getter.
I’ve skinned my knees.
Please, Gramp, please!
I need a stamp,
a stamp with glue.
Won’t you give me
one or two?
But Gramp goes out
and takes the keys.
What will I do
about my knees?
I need a stamp,
somebody please!
Oh, wait! I know
where I can look.
Gramp has stamps
in that big book.
I’ve seen them there.
He says they’re rare.
Get a chair.
Climb up there.
I guess I’ll tear
out this old pair.
One’s upside down
but I don’t care
I need a stamp
that isn’t damp.
These stamps won’t stick.
They need a lick.
Oh, ick!
This lick and stick
makes me sick.
Oh, phoo!
What awful glue!
Here’s what I’ll do:
Pour some water.
There that’s better.
Now they’re wetter.
Oh-oh! Too much water!
Use the blotter.
Oh. Yuk!
What rotten luck!
These stamps are stuck.
Get the drier!
Dry them out!
Spread them out,
All about!
Where? Where?
Here! There!
Quick, quick
before they stick!
Oh, no!
Oh, please!
I have to sneeze!
There they go!
What a breeze!
Stamps, stamps
Everywhere!
Here! There!
On the chair!
In my hair!
It isn’t fair!
Quick, quick!
Pick, pick!
Gramp is coming
with a stick!
What to do? What to do?
I will hide them,
wouldn’t you?
In the salad, in the stew.
Leave them there
a day or two.
Well, at least
my knees feel better.
Maybe I won’t need a letter.