SOME OF YOU may wonder why people become poets, or where they get ideas from. Here's how some of the best poets found their creative muse (a person or spirit who gives a writer ideas). Bruce Lansky Bruce Lansky, an American poet, didn't like poetry in school because he found it hard to understand. He started enjoying it while reading nursery rhymes to his children at bedtime. Then he tried writing his own poems and eventually published a book of nursery rhymes. Many of his poems are based on his childhood recollections. I Can't Write a Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. I'm still half asleep. My eyes keep closing. My brain isn't working. I don't have a pencil. I don't have any paper. My desk is wobbly. I don't know what to write about. And besides, I don't even know how to write a poem. I've got a headache. I need to see the nurse. Time's up? Uh, oh! All I have is this dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Diane Z Shore Diane Shore is an American poet who got hooked on poetry during reading sessions with her grandmother. She wrote her first poem in Grade Seven and has been writing ever since. When she's stuck for ideas she asks 'What if' questions, for example: 'What if I had a birthday every week?' Birthday Wish When I turned eight I made a wish I thought was really great. I wished my birthday came each week - a year's too long to wait. Be careful when you make a wish, because it may indeed come true. Although I'm just in Grade Two, I'm almost 42! Allan Ahlberg One of Britain's leading poets, Allan Ahlberg has been writing since he was 11. But he didn't become a poet right away. He worked as a postman, teacher and even a grave digger before becoming a full-time writer. He gets inspiration from his childhood experiences. The Supply Teacher Here's the rule for what to do If ever your teacher has the flu Or for some other reason takes to her bed And a different teacher comes instead When the visiting teacher hangs up her hat Writes the date on the board, does this or that Always remember, you have to say this, OUR teacher never does that, Miss! Ted Scheu American poet Ted Scheu began writing poetry while working as a teacher. After reading poems to his class, he got his own ideas and soon left his job to become a poet. He says that inspiration strikes when he least expects it - at dinner, while watching TV or listening to the radio. Many of his poems are based on things that have happened to him - like his first kiss! Nancy Cristman Kissed Me Nancy Cristman kissed me as we walked to school today! It happened fast, and I was lost with what to do or say. I quickly looked around to check if anyone had seen it. If they did, and tease me, they'll be sorry, and I mean it. Stuck for ideas? 1. Write a poem listing the reasons why you can't write a poem. Start with 'I can't write a poem because ...' End with 'So please don't ask me to write a poem!' 2. Write a 'What if' poem. You can start like this: What if ____? Then _____. More ideas: 3. Pictures of poets 4. Student at desk staring into space 5. Child (around eight years old) blowing out candles on a cake 6. Annoyed-looking teacher 7. Young girl kissing boy