Forgetfulness is a universal human experience, often leading to moments of levity, embarrassment, or unintended hilarity. Poetry, with its ability to capture the profound and the absurd, has embraced this theme with a lighthearted touch. This article explores 12 funny poems about forgetfulness, offering excerpts and analyses that celebrate our collective lapses with humor and charm.
1. “Forgetfulness” by Billy Collins
The name of the author is the first to go,
followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read, never even heard of.
Billy Collins masterfully captures the gradual and humorous erosion of memory. His poem personifies forgetfulness as a mischievous force, stealing cherished knowledge bit by bit. The lighthearted tone disguises a poignant reflection on aging, making the poem relatable and wittily profound.
2. “Amnesia” by Michael Ryan
It’s like the time you forget your wallet
and then forget you forgot it,
wandering the store as if you belong,
only to discover your groceries still sit unpaid.
Ryan uses vivid, everyday scenarios to dramatize forgetfulness. The humor arises from the relatability of the situations—a cascade of forgetfulness that builds into absurdity. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to transform mundane mishaps into moments of comic resonance.
3. “The List” by Ted Kooser
I made a list to remind myself
of all the lists I need to make.
But now I’ve misplaced it,
and I’m not sure where to start.
Kooser’s poem playfully tackles the paradox of organizing disorganization. The poem’s brevity mirrors the fleeting nature of memory itself, while its humor lies in the futility of trying to control forgetfulness. It’s a clever nod to the common plight of list-makers everywhere.
4. “Lost Keys” by Roger McGough
I’ll find them where I left them—
somewhere I’d never think to look.
Like under the fridge or in the sock drawer,
next to the time I lost my book.
McGough paints a whimsical picture of the eternal search for misplaced items. The humor stems from the sheer absurdity of forgetfulness, imagining keys tucked into improbable places. His playful tone transforms frustration into a source of laughter.
5. “Memory Lapse” by Carol Ann Duffy
Once I knew every phone number by heart,
each friend’s birthday a locked-up treasure.
Now I scroll through contacts blank-faced,
as if my past were a stranger.
Duffy’s poem juxtaposes nostalgia with modern forgetfulness. The humor emerges from the contrast between the poet’s past sharpness and current reliance on technology, creating a satirical commentary on how convenience aids forgetfulness.
6. “The Absent-Minded Professor” by Ogden Nash
He left his hat, his book, his pen,
his lunch and all his notes,
but he remembered every theorem
to confound his students’ quotes.
Ogden Nash’s knack for humor shines in this depiction of a scatterbrained academic. The poem contrasts the professor’s intellectual brilliance with his practical ineptitude, poking fun at the stereotype of the forgetful genius.
7. “Where Did I Put That Thought?” by Shel Silverstein
I had a thought, bright as a spark,
but then it wandered into the dark.
Now it’s hiding behind my ear,
whispering things I cannot hear.
Silverstein’s whimsical imagination brings forgetfulness to life as a mischievous entity. The poem’s childlike simplicity underscores the universality of fleeting thoughts and how they slip through our mental grasp, leaving us amused and perplexed.
8. “Forgotten Lines” by W. H. Auden
A poet once stood, pen in hand,
and forgot what he meant to expand.
The rhyme fled his mind,
leaving blankness behind,
and his verse turned to pure deadpan.
Auden’s humorous take on writer’s block doubles as a meditation on forgetfulness. The poem’s limerick structure enhances its comedic effect, while the self-referential humor will resonate with anyone who’s lost their train of thought.
9. “The Case of the Vanishing Spectacles” by John Betjeman
Where did I leave my specs today?
On my head or tucked away?
Or are they sitting atop my book,
right where I’ve forgotten to look?
Betjeman’s playful rhyme and rhythm make light of a universally recognized situation. The humor is amplified by the gentle irony of overlooking the obvious, turning frustration into shared amusement.
10. “The Absent Guest” by Dorothy Parker
He promised to come at seven sharp,
but sharpness was never his art
He forgot the date, the place, the time,
and showed up late with a rhyme.
Parker’s wit captures the charm of a well-meaning but forgetful friend. The humor in this poem lies in its characterization, presenting a lovable rogue whose forgetfulness becomes a hallmark of their personality.
11. “Halfway Through the Sentence” by Philip Larkin
What was I saying just moments ago?
The thought had a shape, a rhythm, a flow.
Now it’s vanished, leaving me here
looking as blank as the atmosphere.
Larkin’s deadpan humor perfectly encapsulates the disorientation of losing one’s train of thought mid-sentence. The poem’s rhythm mimics the abrupt halt of the poet’s thought process, enhancing its comedic effect.
12. “Oops! I Forgot” by Dr. Seuss
I was on my way to the market today,
but forgot why I left, much to my dismay.
So I turned right around, retraced every step,
and found myself back where my errands were kept.
Dr. Seuss’s trademark playfulness turns forgetfulness into a lighthearted adventure. His use of rhyme and rhythm adds an element of joy to the theme, making the poem as endearing as it is funny.
Conclusion
These 13 funny poems about forgetfulness remind us that laughter can be found in even the most frustrating of human experiences. Whether it’s lost keys, forgotten thoughts, or misplaced glasses, these poets transform our shared lapses into moments of joy and connection. Their works encourage us to embrace our imperfections with humor, proving that sometimes, it’s okay to forget—as long as we remember to laugh.
