More Than Math Problems

12yo: Mom, can you help me with this math problem?

Me: Sure (while I still can…better get in while the gettin’s good, my friend, as you are undoubtedly about to surpass my math capabilities once and for all)

12yo: Ummm…first is this pronounced “skay-leen” or “say-leen”?

Me: That’s “skay-leen” (the word, in case you are rusty in your math terms…I don’t judge that…is scalene, and is used in our discussion of triangles).

12yo: Oh, that’s right...“say-leen” has to do with whales…

Me: No, that’s “bay-leen” (Baleen for those of you not up on your types of whales; a baleen whale is one which has no teeth, but uses its baleen, which are like strainers, to collect millions of tiny organisms from the water and that’s how they eat. You can find out more about baleen whales HERE if you are interested.)

12yo: So what’s saline?

Me: Salt and water mixed together in a solution.

12yo: Oh that’s right...like the ocean.

Also, for those of you reading this who may be wondering…the answer is no, I did not have to look up scalene, baleen or saline…these are just some of the random things apparently floating around in my brain, awaiting their chance to come to the forefront. Yikes…it is truly scary in there.

Me: So…saline, scalene and baleen…those are terrific rhyming words. Why don’t you write a poem with all of them?

12yo: Insert eyeroll here

Since my suggestions are largely underappreciated by the PBA, and because I live with a bunch of fuddy-duddies, I took it upon myself to write one (or two) poems myself:

Sea water’s salty

Some say saline

But that is not why

Some whales are baleen.

Or how about this: 

My least favorite triangle’s a scalene;

I like my sides to match.

Instead I prefer a whale that’s baleen;

But they are not easy to catch.

Writing a poem with those words is not as easy as one might think, especially to get all three words in the same poem. 

Don’t judge.

That being said, Miss Bloggypants and I have waited long enough for Christine to come up with another contest…and we simply cannot wait any longer. So I will take a turn at it.

I am not asking for these to be good poems…just poems. If you are so inspired, please include your poem in the comments below.

Game on.

Follow me on Facebook!