Ode to Karl Shapiro for National Poetry Month

 Why did I write an Ode to Karl Shapiro? Here is the answer in my Daughter Anne Marie’s own words reflecting on her elementary school days:

“Karl Shapiro’s poem, ‘Manhole Covers’ was printed in my Fifth Grade English Textbook.  I remember seeing it and thinking: Wow, someone else looks at sewers too, not just my Mom.  It must be modern art.  I showed the poem to my mother and a few years later she composed  an ‘Ode to Karl Shapiro’ based on her manhole cover adventures.                     ~Anne Marie Schauman  2013

Oxymoron: The Fringe, 1998 volume II printed Karl Shapiro’s poem “Manhole Covers next to photos of my manhole art.   You can read his poem here:  Manhole Covers – Karl Shapiro

“Ode to Karl Shapiro” in larger font: http://bobbimastrangelo.com/Poetry/poetry-ode.php