(8 September 1940 / Brooklyn, New York)

poet Jack Prelutsky
#54 on top 500 poets
What do you think this poem is about?

As Soon as Fred Gets Out of Bed

As soon as Fred gets out of bed,
his underwear goes on his head.
His mother laughs, "Don't put it there,
a head's no place for underwear!"
But near his ears, above his brains,
is where Fred's underwear remains.

At night when Fred goes back to bed,
he deftly plucks it off his head.
His mother switches off the light
and softly croons, "Good night! Good night!"
And then, for reasons no one knows,
Fred's underwear goes on his toes.

Submitted: Monday, January 20, 2003


Read poems about / on: mother, night, light

Comments about this poem (As Soon as Fred Gets Out of Bed by Jack Prelutsky )

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  • C Peak (7/13/2012 10:42:00 AM)

    I think this poem is hilarious. The content is funny and absurd at the same time, and the lines have a lyrical rhythm that can be read like a song. Can you just imagine your brother (or son, or possibly yourself) running around with underwear on his head! If you have ever had brothers, I'm sure you can identify. Humor and personal connections are important when teaching students about poetry. No abuse intended here....just reality! My students loved it!

    45 person liked.
    		39 person did not like.
  • Ladawn Trice (3/16/2012 8:12:00 AM)

    it does sound like abuse but i think Fred is just being funny, just being himself, being a kid.... many a boys i know have walked around w their underwear on their heads on the way to their baths-making humour.... i can't see that this poem is just bad, but it is funny fun and filled w curiosity.... mr jack prelutsky, please oneday verify

    49 person liked.
    		39 person did not like.
  • Kalinda Evers (11/7/2011 11:00:00 PM)

    Though it is funny and certainly entertaining, it's just the things the boy does sound like he's acting out.
    In the back of my mind I just can't get this thought that this poem is bad out of my head. Maybe I'm letting my past colour my opinion, but.
    That last sentence, it strikes me. 'And then, for reasons no one knows,
    Fred's underwear goes on his toes.'
    It sounds like abuse.

    40 person liked.
    		74 person did not like.
  • Joana hewitt (2/17/2011 3:35:00 PM)

    Love this poem is funny and Curious to know why he has to underwear on his head and his toes is very funny love it

    51 person liked.
    		43 person did not like.
  • Rita Cerniglia (3/13/2010 3:14:00 PM)

    Humourous and mysterious! I wonder if we'll ever know why Fred does what he does with his underwear?

    45 person liked.
    		46 person did not like.
  • Kevin Diaz (1/24/2010 1:29:00 PM)

    lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lolx100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

    40 person liked.
    		57 person did not like.
  • Nia Riz (9/2/2008 12:45:00 PM)

    hehe....really funny....luvd it

    38 person liked.
    		41 person did not like.
  • Qistina Zaini (10/18/2005 3:26:00 AM)

    very funny! ! i like it very much...

    38 person liked.
    		41 person did not like.
  • Barbara Doyle (10/9/2005 7:48:00 PM)

    Loved it! You go, Jack.

    35 person liked.
    		46 person did not like.
  • Jeffrey Philip Clegg (6/29/2005 7:32:00 PM)

    Laughing out loud - Fred Zeppelin.

    34 person liked.
    		45 person did not like.
Read all 10 comments »

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