Ogden Nash

Ogden Nash Poems

Ogden Nash Biography

Ogden Nash was an American poet known for his witty and humorous verse. He was born on August 19, 1902, in Rye, New York, and grew up in a wealthy family. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a socialite and amateur poet. Nash attended Harvard University but dropped out after a year and a half. He worked various jobs, including advertising and editorial work, before he began writing poetry full-time. Nash's first book of poetry, "Hard Lines," was published in 1931 and was an instant success. He went on to publish numerous other collections of poetry, including "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," "Good Intentions," and "Versus." Nash's poetry is characterized by its clever wordplay, absurdity, and irreverent humor. He often wrote about everyday life and human foibles, and his poetry was popular with both adults and children. In addition to his poetry, Nash wrote lyrics for musicals and films, including "One Touch of Venus" and "The Shining Hour." He also wrote essays and articles for various publications, including The New Yorker and Life magazine. Nash was married twice and had two children. He died of complications from Crohn's disease on May 19, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is remembered as one of America's most beloved and humorous poets, whose unique style and humor continue to entertain and delight readers today.

Life of Ogden Nash

An ancestor, General Francis Nash, gave his name to Nashville, Tennessee. Raised in Rye, New York and Savannah, Georgia. Educated at St. George's School in Rhode Island and, briefly, Harvard University. Started work writing advertising copy for Doubleday, Page Publishing, New York, in 1925. Published first book for children, The Cricket of Caradon in 1925. First published poem Spring Comes to Murray Hill appears in New Yorker magazine in 1930. Joins staff at New Yorker in 1932. Married Frances Rider Leonard on June 6, 1933. Published 19 books of poetry. Collaborated, in 1943, in the musical comedy, One Touch of Venus Elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1950. Lived in New York but his principal home was in Baltimore, Maryland, where he died on May 19, 1971. He was buried in North Hampton, New Hampshire.)

The Best Poem Of Ogden Nash

Adventures Of Isabel

Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.
Once in a night as black as pitch
Isabel met a wicked old witch.
the witch's face was cross and wrinkled,
The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled.
Ho, ho, Isabel! the old witch crowed,
I'll turn you into an ugly toad!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry,
She showed no rage and she showed no rancor,
But she turned the witch into milk and drank her.
Isabel met a hideous giant,
Isabel continued self reliant.
The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forhead.
Good morning, Isabel, the giant said,
I'll grind your bones to make my bread.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She nibled the zwieback that she always fed off,
And when it was gone, she cut the giant's head off.
Isabel met a troublesome doctor,
He punched and he poked till he really shocked her.
The doctor's talk was of coughs and chills
And the doctor's satchel bulged with pills.
The doctor said unto Isabel,
Swallow this, it will make you well.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She took those pills from the pill concocter,
And Isabel calmly cured the doctor.

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