Popocatepetl
"Mountain of Fire" – a volcano in MexicoMy favourite word when I was little
was Mexican, "Popocatepetl."
Doesn't come from wood or metal.
Try it – Popo - cat-er - petl.
Sounds a bit like weedy nettle
playing at Popocatepetl.
Hey Polly, pop the teatime kettle
right on Popocatepetl.
Was it Hansel? Was it Gretel
stole my Popocatepetl?
Disinfectants, bleach and Dettol
won't quench Popocatepetl.
Am I crazy? P'raps I'll settle
for secret Popocatepetl. (Say this very quietly . . . . .)
was Mexican, "Popocatepetl."
Doesn't come from wood or metal.
Try it – Popo - cat-er - petl.
Sounds a bit like weedy nettle
playing at Popocatepetl.
Hey Polly, pop the teatime kettle
right on Popocatepetl.
Was it Hansel? Was it Gretel
stole my Popocatepetl?
Disinfectants, bleach and Dettol
won't quench Popocatepetl.
Am I crazy? P'raps I'll settle
for secret Popocatepetl. (Say this very quietly . . . . .)
This poem is copyright (©) Jane Newberry 2025
About the Writer
Jane Newberry
Jane Newberry is an all-sorts poet and songwriter living in Cornwall. Her book of play-rhymes Big Green Crocodile was shortlisted for the prestigious CLIPPA award in 2021. The new baby is Big Red Dragon, published by Otter-Barry Books in August 2024. Jane is widely published online and in magazines and anthologies.
