Rabbits have always captured the human imagination, often appearing in literature, folklore, and popular culture as symbols of gentleness, curiosity, and mischievousness. Their fluffy tails and large ears make them an ideal subject for lighthearted and humorous poems. In the following article, we delve into the world of funny rabbit poetry, presenting a selection of 11 witty and charming poems about these delightful creatures. We will explore each poem’s source, providing an excerpt and analysis of what makes it both humorous and relatable to readers of all ages.
11 Hopping Hilarious Poems About Rabbits
1. “The Rabbit” by A. A. Milne
A. A. Milne, the beloved author of Winnie-the-Pooh, has an affinity for anthropomorphized animals, and his poem “The Rabbit” is a perfect example of his ability to combine whimsy with humor. In the poem, the rabbit plays a central role, but it is depicted in a rather comical light.
Excerpt: “The rabbit said, ‘Oh, I can see
That something’s gone a little wrong,
But how can I make it right again,
And all the time it’s been so long?'”
In this lighthearted piece, the rabbit’s predicament seems both puzzling and amusing, revealing Milne’s knack for portraying his characters in a way that feels both silly and relatable. The poem’s charm lies in its playfulness and its light-hearted exploration of animal behavior.
Source: A. A. Milne, When We Were Very Young (1924).
2. “The Bunny Who Loves Chocolate” by Anon
This anonymous poem is centered on a rabbit’s love for chocolate—a common yet humorous theme that resonates with readers. It’s funny to imagine a rabbit, often associated with eating carrots, indulging in a human favorite like chocolate.
Excerpt: “The bunny hopped to the store one day,
Hoping to buy some chocolate to play.
He bounced on his feet and wagged his nose,
As he searched for the sweetest cocoa he knows!”
The humorous contrast between the rabbit’s usual diet and its newfound craving for chocolate creates an amusing twist that adds to the poem’s charm.
Source: Anon.
3. “The Rabbit’s First Party” by Ted Hughes
Ted Hughes, one of the most significant poets of the 20th century, often wrote in a vivid and engaging style, with a keen focus on nature. “The Rabbit’s First Party” is a fun exploration of a rabbit’s experience at its first social event. The poem combines the innocence of youth with humorous observations about social interactions.
Excerpt: “The rabbit looked around with surprise,
At the creatures that filled the skies,
He had never seen such a sight,
Birds, bees, and butterflies in flight!”
The humor arises from the rabbit’s wide-eyed naivety and the lighthearted way in which Hughes portrays the rabbit’s world as one full of marvels and eccentricities.
Source: Ted Hughes, The Iron Man (1968).
4. “The Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings” by Carl Sommer
Carl Sommer’s whimsical poem “The Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings” is an entertaining narrative about a rabbit that wishes to fly. The humor in the poem comes from the absurdity of the rabbit’s wish, which challenges the natural order of things.
Excerpt: “He hopped to the store and bought some paint,
He painted his wings bright and faint.
Then he tried to fly but fell on his face,
And all the animals laughed in the race!”
The humor lies in the rabbit’s overly ambitious attempt to break the laws of nature, which ultimately leads to an amusing failure.
Source: Carl Sommer, The Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings (1999).
5. “The Laughing Rabbit” by Dennis Lee
Dennis Lee’s poem “The Laughing Rabbit” is a perfect blend of wit and wordplay. This poem personifies the rabbit as a mischievous character who cannot help but laugh at all things around him, creating a scenario that is both silly and hilarious.
Excerpt: “He hopped and hopped all through the night,
Laughing at clouds and the moon’s light.
Nothing was too funny to him,
For his laughter would never grow dim!”
The playful rhyme and rhythm, along with the rabbit’s infectious laughter, make this poem a joyful read.
Source: Dennis Lee, Alligator Pie (1985).
6. “Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter
Though Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit is often viewed as a gentle tale of mischief, the humor in the story and the accompanying poems is subtle and clever. Peter’s exploits in Mr. McGregor’s garden offer plenty of comedic moments, from his narrow escapes to his disregard for his mother’s advice.
Excerpt: “Peter Rabbit sat in a little chair,
He wanted to go out but he didn’t dare.
‘Why, Peter,’ said his mother so kind,
‘What a naughty rabbit you’ve been, never mind!’”
The poem’s humor is found in Peter’s silly actions and his mother’s resigned but loving response.
Source: Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902).
7. “The Misadventures of Benny Bunny” by Joan A. Sweeney
In Joan A. Sweeney’s humorous poem, Benny Bunny constantly finds himself in various sticky situations, all of which are caused by his inability to stop eating the carrots his mother told him to leave alone.
Excerpt: “Benny Bunny ate the carrots,
Without a care or thought,
And when his mother caught him,
She said, ‘Benny, you’ve been caught!'”
The humor in the poem comes from Benny’s endearing but stubborn nature, and his constant mischief provides a playful narrative for readers.
Source: Joan A. Sweeney, The Misadventures of Benny Bunny (1985).
8. “The Clever Rabbit” by Carolyn Wells
Carolyn Wells’ poem The Clever Rabbit presents a witty scenario where a rabbit outsmarts the other animals. The humor lies in the cleverness of the rabbit, who is able to think his way out of tricky situations.
Excerpt: “A fox came by and said with glee,
‘You’re the one I’m looking to eat, you see!
But I am quicker than a hare,
With my sharp teeth and cunning air!’”
The rabbit, quick to think, then said,
‘Come follow me to where I’ve led.’”
The poem’s wit lies in the way the rabbit uses his brains to avoid danger, creating a humorous yet satisfying outcome.
Source: Carolyn Wells, The Rabbit and the Fox (1910).
9. “A Rabbit’s Tale” by James Stevenson
James Stevenson’s A Rabbit’s Tale combines humor and light sarcasm, providing an entertaining account of a rabbit’s adventures. The poem is filled with playful language and exaggerated scenarios that make it a fun read for both children and adults.
Excerpt: “I ran and ran and hopped all day,
Chasing shadows and wishing to play.
But when I stopped, what did I find?
A large carrot, and I forgot what I had in mind!”
The charm of this poem is in the rabbit’s humorous lack of direction and its simple yet endearing day-to-day adventures.
Source: James Stevenson, Rabbit Tales (1976).
10. “The Foolish Rabbit” by Jack Prelutsky
Jack Prelutsky, known for his humorous and quirky poetry, brings to life the tale of a foolish rabbit who makes decisions that lead to a series of funny and unfortunate events.
Excerpt: “The foolish rabbit, full of glee,
He wore a hat and pants, you see.
He thought himself a funny sight,
But couldn’t hop without a fright!”
The humor here comes from the rabbit’s mismatched attire and his foolish behavior, which resonates with the often comical situations children get themselves into.
Source: Jack Prelutsky, The New Kid on the Block (1984).
11. “The Rabbit Who Came to Tea” by Judith Kerr
Judith Kerr’s The Rabbit Who Came to Tea tells a funny and slightly absurd story of a rabbit who shows up uninvited for tea. The humor in the poem arises from the rabbit’s blatant disregard for the hosts’ expectations, as it helps itself to everything in sight.
Excerpt: “The rabbit came and sat at the table,
Drinking tea, looking quite able.
‘Is this your house?’ the rabbit asked,
‘I’m just here to eat, don’t be too aghast!’”
The poem’s lighthearted humor and the absurdity of the situation make it an enjoyable read for children, particularly with its charming illustrations.
Source: Judith Kerr, The Tiger Who Came to Tea (1968).
Conclusion
The funny poems about rabbits presented in this article reveal the vast range of humor that can be inspired by these cuddly creatures. From clever wordplay and surprising situations to the rabbit’s antics in more absurd and whimsical scenarios, these poems entertain and provide a delightful escape. Whether the rabbit is outsmarting a fox, indulging in chocolate, or attending a tea party, these poems bring laughter to readers of all ages. Each one showcases the unique role rabbits play in literature, both as innocent and mischievous characters. Through these humorous and imaginative poems, we are reminded that even the most ordinary animals, like rabbits, can inspire a wealth of creativity and fun in poetry.
