Lost and Found

This poem is for Project OpenBook, a community-built children’s book. Details below.

Today we did some laundry washing
But somehow while the suds were sloshing
Turning, churning, swashing, sploshing…
We lost another sock.

“Where do they go, those socks and mittens?”
Mama asked, her teeth-a-grittin’.
Then dad leaned back where he was sittin’
And quietly he said:

“I’ll tell you something no one knows
‘Bout where those socks and mittens goes
But only if you cross your toes
And promise you’ll keep it secret.

“Inside the pantry is a tiny man
Who lives behind a green bean can
And eats our toasted oatmeal bran.
He says his name is Jacques.

“Jacque’s so small he has no clothes
Except for what he finds and sews.
To keep himself from getting froze,
He has to be creative.

“So the washer lid is where he clings
To hang a hook down on a string
And grab some dirty, smelly things
Like socks and jocks and mittens.

“So now that you have lost a sock
Don’t just stand around and squawk;
Just know that you have helped our Jacques
Survive another winter.

“But next time that you lose your keys
I’d run to check the pantry please
Before they’re used to spread cream cheese
On Jacque’s morning bagel.”

Written by Phil Haussler.

Illustrated by Nina Crittenden.

(46 votes, average: 4.07)

 Loading ...

Project OpenBook is a community-built children’s book. Your rating determines what goes into the book. All proceeds go to funding a young girl’s education.

If you liked this poem: Share it. Read it to a kid. Or join us.