May is a month that breathes fresh air, with flowers blooming, the days lengthening, and the promise of summer just around the corner. It’s a time of joy, renewal, and, sometimes, mischief. This article explores twelve funny poems about May, showcasing how poets have playfully captured the essence of this delightful spring month. From witty takes on May Day to humorous observations of the unpredictable weather, these poems reflect the lighter side of the season.
12 Funny Poems That Celebrate the Month of May
1. “A May Morning” by William Blake
William Blake’s “A May Morning” is a cheerful celebration of the season, where nature seems to burst with life. Though it’s not inherently a “funny” poem, Blake’s use of imagery and exuberant tone lends itself to a humorous take on the world in bloom.
“Now the bright morning star, day’s harbinger,
Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her
The Flow’ry May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.”
The personification of May as a “dancing” figure, throwing flowers in a carefree manner, paints a lively picture of the season. The humor in this poem lies in the whimsical way Blake imagines May interacting with nature.
2. “The First of May” by Lord Alfred Tennyson
Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem, “The First of May,” can be seen as a celebration of spring, but there is also a subtle humor in how he addresses the human connection to nature.
“The moon is out, and flowers are here,
The birds are singing loud and clear.
The first of May, the flowers are gay,
It’s time for us to come and play.”
Tennyson’s lighthearted use of rhyme, combined with the playful rhythm, reflects the carefree spirit of May. The humor lies in the way he invites us to embrace the joy of nature without taking things too seriously.
3. “May” by Christina Rossetti
Christina Rossetti’s “May” contains a delicate balance of humor and nostalgia. The poem paints a picture of the fleeting nature of the season, evoking a sense of both appreciation and mockery.
“I love to see the flowers grow,
The sun and moon, the grass, the trees,
But why do they grow so slow?”
This humorous line underlines the impatience people often feel about the arrival of warmer weather, something that many can relate to in the context of May’s often unpredictable start to the season.
4. “Spring is Sprung” by Aileen Fisher
Aileen Fisher’s poem, “Spring is Sprung,” embodies the sense of joy and absurdity often found in the changing of the seasons. While the poem is about spring, it carries elements that are specific to May and its vibrant energy.
“Spring is sprung,
The grass is ris,
I wonder where the birdie is.”
The playful tone of the poem creates humor through its simplicity and childlike curiosity. It pokes fun at how everyone eagerly awaits the change of season, with nature seemingly a little too slow to catch up.
5. “The Ballad of May” by Richard Aldington
In “The Ballad of May,” Aldington brings a mixture of humor and melancholy, but there’s a lightheartedness in the way he characterizes the month.
“Oh, May, oh, May, you wild and free,
You wind and breeze and singing tree,
You make the world look bright and gay,
But don’t you get too close today.”
This playful poem uses humor to highlight the unpredictable weather May often brings. Aldington personifies May as both joyful and capricious, and the poem’s tone adds a sense of unpredictability, making it comical.
6. “Ode to May” by George Sterling
George Sterling’s “Ode to May” is a poem filled with vivid descriptions of the beauty of May. But beyond the appreciation of nature, there is humor in the exaggerated nature of the descriptions.
“May, the mischievous maiden,
With golden hair and a smile so bright,
But beware, for she’ll lead you astray,
With a wink and a kiss, into the light.”
The humorous line about May leading us “astray” captures the playful and teasing nature of the month. May has a way of tempting us into revelry, despite the often unsteady weather.
7. “May Day” by James Whitcomb Riley
James Whitcomb Riley’s “May Day” embodies the joys and lighthearted nature of the season. The poem focuses on the activities of children, capturing their delight and laughter.
“Hark! The merry music, clear,
May Day’s here, and all is cheer!
Flowers in the children’s hair,
Laughter ringing through the air.”
The humor in Riley’s poem comes from the exaggerated image of children and their innocent joy. The lines also hint at the fun tradition of May Day, with its innocent, somewhat mischievous activities.
8. “The Maypole” by Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick’s “The Maypole” is a spirited and playful poem celebrating the May Day tradition. It focuses on the joy of dancing and the revelry that accompanies the start of May.
“Rise, and let us go,
To the Maypole, and make merry so;
With garlands bright, and songs of cheer,
We’ll dance in circles, full of cheer.”
The humor in Herrick’s poem lies in its exuberant description of Maypole dancing. The simplicity of the poem makes the imagery feel larger than life, as though everyone is caught in a whirl of carefree celebration.
9. “May Night” by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “May Night” offers a unique perspective on May, with a combination of humor and sensuality. The poem speaks to the contrast of nature’s beauty and the human experience.
“Oh, love, we must go to the woods,
Where the flowers bloom in strange, wild ways,
And where the moonlight kisses us,
Until the dawn steals the last of our days.”
The humor in Millay’s poem is in the contradiction of the dreamy, carefree night, which may seem idealized yet reflects a knowing playfulness about the consequences of indulgence.
10. “The Month of May” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The Month of May” is a contemplative poem, but there’s humor in the way he contrasts human activities with the natural world around him.
“The world is wide with flow’rs,
But we are slow, and lose our way,
In pursuit of things that do not bloom
As brightly as May’s bouquet.”
Emerson’s humorous look at how humans often miss the point of nature’s beauty captures the essence of how people can be too busy or distracted to fully appreciate the simple joy of May’s bloom.
11. “May is a Month for Love” by William Shakespeare
Though not a widely known poem, Shakespeare’s “May is a Month for Love” touches on the romantic and playful nature of May.
“Come, May, and bless the heart,
With sunshine bright, and love to start,
For in your light, we find delight,
The heart is free, the world is right.”
The humor comes from Shakespeare’s traditional yet fun take on love. He imagines May as a catalyst for romantic mischief, where love is in the air and misadventures are sure to follow.
12. “The Happy May” by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s “The Happy May” is a short yet cheerful reflection on the month. The poem blends humor with an appreciation of the fleeting nature of time.
“Happy May, sweet month so brief,
You pass away with no relief!
Yet while you last, oh what a day,
The world is bright, the skies are gay!”
Dickinson’s play on the passage of time gives a humorous and bittersweet feel to May. She captures the brevity of the month, but with an acknowledgment of the joy it brings.
Conclusion
The month of May, with its mix of promise, unpredictability, and burst of life, has inspired poets across centuries to infuse humor into their works. Whether it’s through playful imagery, personification, or the exaggerated joy of the season, these twelve poems showcase how the month can be celebrated with both lightness and wit. Each poem brings its own unique take on the joys of spring, making it clear that May isn’t just a time of flowers and sunshine but also one of laughter, joy, and occasional mischief.
