Holding a Grudge

By Mary Button Hopkins

A grudge is a terrible nuisance to hold,

Untidy, and heavy, and usually cold.

The big clumsy thing starts to weigh more and more,

Till holding it’s all you can do. What a bore!

Its weight makes you grimace, your tired lips mumble.

Your eyes start to cross, and your weary feet stumble.

So for goodness’ sake, find something better to grip—

Like a bat for a ball game, or a map for a trip.

A friend’s hand is great. A kite string is fun.

Grab a bike, a good book, a broom—just pick one.

Hold a puppy, a paintbrush, a thick piece of fudge—

Almost anything’s nicer to hold than a grudge!

Illustration by Mark Robison