KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Poet John Kenney Takes On The Less-Than-Glamorous Aspects Of Parenthood

Most parents who’ve had to count to three to try to get their kid to do something have probably wondered: What do I do if I get to three, and I don’t get cooperation?

Well, John Kenney has had that same thought and wrote about it in a poem called, aptly enough, "I Am Going to Count to Three."

Kenny’s new book, " Love Poems (for People with Children)," is full of titles parents — and even people without kids — can probably relate to: "Who Will be the First to Get Up," "I am Fully Aware that the Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round," and "An Attempt at a Summation of a Five-Year Old’s Monologue" to name a few.

Kenney himself has a son and a daughter. The Show spoke with him and asked how many of the poems in this book are based on his own experiences as a parent versus those of family and friends.

More Stories From KJZZ

Tags
Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.