This is Just to Say

The famous William Carlos Williams poem "This is Just to Say" was used as the inspiration for an entire book by Gail Carson Levine called Forgive Me, I Meant to Do It: False Apology Poems. What is so brilliant about this book is that it inspires students and adults alike to write their own false apology poems.

Here is the original poem by William Carlos Williams:

This is Just to Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

During poetry month, my students wrote their own false apology poems. Here are some examples:

This is Just to Say

I have eaten
the red poisonous
berries

In which you were
going to trick
the Capitol with.

Forgive me
They were so good
And I was so hungr---

Stevie M.


This is Just to Say

I have used
my lightsaber
to chop off your arm.

Because you
went and
blew up my
Death Star.

Forgive me
but I am
your
father.

Noah M.


This is just to say
that I have ruined
your homemade pot roast

You were probably
saving it
for our dinner.

Forgive me
but I don't
want to get food poisoning

Isabelle A.


And I had to share this one with the illustration since it relates to one of my students' favorite picture books this year, This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen. I love the idea of students being inspired by multiple pieces of literature.

Maria H.



What would your false apology be?