Split Nursery Rhyme Poetry Challenge The Society May 7, 2021 Culture, Humor, Poetry, Poetry Challenge, Poetry Contests 69 Comments . Split a line from a nursery rhyme and use the halves to open and close a poem. Post yours in the comments section below. This challenge comes from Joe Tessitore, who offers the below two examples: . “The Farmer in the Dell” The farmer Raised a tower for his bell With tools of power, he built well. Now on the hour, hear its knell In field and bower, In the dell. . “Mary Had a Little Lamb” Mary had A dinner party And her menu, it was hearty. For the kids, a can of Spam And for Grandpa, A little lamb. . . NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Trending now: 69 Responses Gail May 7, 2021 Wickedly good. Reply Paul Freeman May 7, 2021 Jack and Jill their bucket fill with earth, they’re tired and feeling ill. The chieftain ‘s barrow empties still, each time the curious children will run up the hill. Reply Sandi Christie May 7, 2021 Twinkle, twinkle, There’s a wrinkle ‘Round my eyes, the lines do mar. Twinkle, twinkle, it’s a crinkle Shaped just like a Little star. Reply Bethany May 7, 2021 Very good! Bravo! Reply Susan Fowler May 23, 2021 Nice twist! Liked it a lot Reply Andrew Simpson June 9, 2021 Thank you. You made me smile. Talking, like my shaving mirror does to me. I look like the milky way. Reply Cynthia Erlandson May 7, 2021 ‘Twas brillig, and The gimbling band Of Bandersnatches Made their catches In the burbling borogoves Where Jubjub loves The slithy toves. Reply Daniel Kemper May 10, 2021 I liked the choice the best, though the execution is great as well. It reminded me that I’ve seen translations into French and German of Jabberwocky, which kind of blew my mind. How do you translate nonsense? Reply Patricia Redfern June 11, 2021 Absolutlely a trophy for this..you gave me my first smile of the day. I love the original, as well. Delightful! Thank you, Cynthia Reply Paul Freeman May 7, 2021 Peter Peeper was a loser, druggy and a constant boozer; mum and dad said he must choose a job like architect, or muse or chimney sweeper. Reply Patricia Redfern October 11, 2021 Paul.. This is so well done. You have me laughing.! For that, I am utterly appreciative? Yours, Patricia Reply Carol Connell May 7, 2021 The itsy bitsy spider fell in the roofer’s cider, and promptly was dumped out. Wee arachnid brilliant was quite resilient, went up the waterspout. Reply Lucia Haase May 7, 2021 Mary mary, quite the fairy found the forest very scary… always watching, always wary. So she took the nearest ferry where she found the grassy prairie quite contrary. Reply Will May 7, 2021 There was an old woman who very well knew the rent on her condo was long overdue, and children she had in that humble abode were more than allowed by her contract and code. Evict me she said, after all I’ve been through, it couldn’t get worse if I lived in a shoe. Reply James A. Tweedie May 8, 2021 Three blind mice (But why? Who knows?) Thought it nice To chew on panty hose. I think it wouldn’t Be much fun Because they couldn’t See how they run. Reply Joe Tessitore May 8, 2021 Brilliant! Reply Carol Connell May 8, 2021 Little boy blue whined, “There’s nothing to do!” He was feeling rather forlorn. Music practice he shirked. His mother was irked, thus she bellowed, “Come blow your horn!” Reply Jeff Eardley May 8, 2021 The Grand Old Duke of York, Prince Andrew, so it’s said, Had a meeting with Jeff Epstein, When he should have stayed in bed. The English Queen was not amused, Sat there in her Golden Crown, When she heard about his trousers, They were neither up nor down. Reply Joseph S. Salemi May 8, 2021 Jack, be nimble With that fuse — A long one is the type to use. If it’s long, it does the trick. If it’s short, well… Jack, be quick. Reply Joe Tessitore May 8, 2021 Another spark of brilliance! Reply Roy E. Peterson May 9, 2021 I love this one! Reply Daniel Kemper May 10, 2021 God forgive my bawdy mind, but this one had a hilarious Freudian level to it. Reply Patricia Redfern October 11, 2021 Joseph! Perfection. A supeb write. You do have a marvelous wit, thank you! Patricia Reply Roy E. Peterson May 8, 2021 Hey diddle, diddle Begins the riddle Of what is that screeching sound? They looked around And then they found The cat in the fiddle. Reply Will May 8, 2021 Jack Sprat beneath his hat knew the good that lean begat. His protein diet strictly met had kept him well with one regret — forever tasting as he sat remorse that he could eat no fat. Reply Paul Freeman May 8, 2021 Sing a song of ‘sixpence’, which also was a ‘tanner’ half of which was ‘thruppence’, nut-shaped for a spanner. Two sixpences, they made a ‘shilling’, twelve of them a ‘pound’ the smallest note of England’s realm that at that time was found. Two shillings was a ‘florin’, A ‘ha’p’ny’, half a p; then ‘tuppence’ was two pennies, not a real coin you see. Now getting back to sixpences they were a common thing, whilst sovereigns, made of gold, were fit to set before a king. Reply Paul Freeman May 8, 2021 Alas, I used the first and the last line. Whoops! Reply Carol Connell May 8, 2021 There was a crooked man at least in my opinion, who sought to rule a nation through pure fraud and dominion. With the backing of the CCP plus his own clandestine style, waltzed his way to Capitol Hill and he went a crooked mile. *I promise this is my last one. Although I’m not a member here, I thank you for the opportunity to participate here. It was challenging and fun. Reply Joe Tessitore May 9, 2021 If I may be so bold, you should join us. Reply Carol Connell May 9, 2021 Mr. Tessitore, I am humbled by your boldness. I will prayerfully consider it. Thank you! Joe Tessitore May 8, 2021 Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall In winter and before he knew it His ass froze to it! Spring was a bummer And so was his summer Till it thawed and Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Reply James A. Tweedie May 12, 2021 Lol Reply Sandi Christie May 8, 2021 There was an old lady who needed a mate So her friends set her up and she went on a date. The man’s name was Peter, a picker by trade Of peppers, potatoes, and other nightshades. The man whispered gently, do tell, is it true? I heard you were poor, and you lived in a shoe. Oh no, no, not I, did the woman deny, I’m just the lady who swallowed a fly. Reply Joe Tessitore May 9, 2021 Very cool! Reply Sandi Christie May 9, 2021 Thank you Joe, and thank you for suggesting this challenge. It was very fun to participate in, and even more fun to read all of the great, witty responses that come from all of the talented people on this platform. Susan Fowler May 23, 2021 Good Choice of words that worked Reply David Watt May 9, 2021 Mary, Mary, she was hairy As a man whose whiskers grow. So with gels and sharpened shells She cut them down all in a row. Reply Joseph S. Salemi May 9, 2021 This is not exactly according to Joe T’s plan, but I couldn’t resist it: There was a crooked man And he really was a louse. He ran a rigged casino With card-sharps like his spouse. Alas, they did not prosper (Rhyme here with “blouse” or “douse”) Since gamblers would not bet against A little crooked house. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 9, 2021 Hickory Dick let’s make it quick – all done in the tick of a tock! You won’t cure the sick with a needle that thick! Is this shot compuls- ory Doc? Reply Joseph S. Salemi May 9, 2021 Tmesis! Wow! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 9, 2021 Joe S., I didn’t even know I had indulged in tmesis, and it wasn’t remotely painful! Thank you for my new word of the day… I love it! Absobloodylutely marvelous! Daniel Kemper May 10, 2021 Super clever. Love stuff like this! Reply Mike Bryant May 9, 2021 Hey diddle, diddle… Doctor Lock knew a barman called Dick. Dickey hit drinks with almond, a flick. The Doc liked the slick, tasty trick, So he ordered Dick’s almond-flick kick. Now the Doctor showed up every night Because Dick made his favorite just right. But one evening Dick changed up Doc’s pick. He had run out of Doc’s almond stock. Doc sniffed, “Almond Daiquiri, Dick?” Dick quipped, “Hickory Daiquiri, Doc.” The mouse ran up the clock. Reply Joe Tessitore May 9, 2021 Holy cow (that didn’t jump over the moon) – is that good!!! Bravo, Mike! Reply Mike Bryant May 9, 2021 Thanks, Joe, but I didn’t exactly follow the rules. 🙂 Joe Tessitore May 10, 2021 I don’t know exactly how to say it, Mike, but that seems to be in the rules and out of the rulers, maybe beyond the rules? In any event, some of the best writing I’ve ever read! Denniw May 9, 2021 With tools of power He forged a people Man’s red flower? Please, it pails under the steeple As a speaker with no equal Tells a tale to torment A sermon of hell Ode to fear and all its ferment With tools of power Verily He built well Reply Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man. I baked a bread as best as I can. I rolled it, and beat it, and messed up with the yeast And put it in the oven for Baby and me. Reply Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Rain Rain go away, COVID COVID stay away. Little Arthur wants to play. Reply Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Ring-a-round the rosie, The air is full of CO-vies Achoo! Achoo! We all fall down. Here I go again writing another nursery rhyme about the pandemic! (Ha-ha. I can’t seem to stop myself though.) Reply Joe Tessitore May 10, 2021 Really good! I really like “CO-vies”. Reply Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Thank you Mr. Tessitore! That just came out of my head while writing. This challenge is a brain teaser and witty at the same time. Joe Tessitore May 10, 2021 Ring around the rosie. The air is free of CO-vie. Batflu, Batflu, Fauci’s a clown. Reply Mike Bryant May 10, 2021 Another brilliant rule breaker! Some rules just beg to be broken. David Watt May 10, 2021 Georgie porgie, pudding and pie, Kept growing fatter, and didn’t know why. Could it be pudding and pie every day Or his penchant for a takeaway? Reply Maurice DeLivre May 10, 2021 Here we come gathering nuts in May, writing poems, poems in May. Here we come composing rhymes in May, on a warm and balmy day. “What is the theme for our rhymes today?” “We’ll have COVID for our theme today!” We’ll send doctors to fetch COVID away, fetch COVID away, fetch COVID away. We’ll send nurses to fetch COVID away, on a cold and frosty morning. ————————————————————————————- Eenie, meenie, minie, moe, Catch the tyrant by election rows. If he wins then hear him say: “I’ll make it great, the USA!” Reply Talbot Hook May 10, 2021 Baa, baa, black sheep, I’m in a state of mourning; The haberdasher ‘s lost my veil, The clothier’s are all too pale, And the funeral’s down in Corning. I’m at a loss and feeling frail, My head with worries full, So I’ve come to you with hope of sale: Have you any wool? Reply Talbot May 10, 2021 Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie, Though highly pleasing to the eye, Had a strange diet, That caused ladies disquiet (For a regime of parfait Causes oral decay); His parents were lost (And the gals tempest-tossed) By a charge that he’d always deny: That he’d kissed the girls and made them cry. Reply Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 “Will you walk into my parlour?” said the COVID to a guy; “I’m the nastiest little virus that ever you did spy. I’ll come in your parlour then you’ll catch me (yes, you’ll do!) And I’ll do many ghastly things, even fouler than the flu.” “Oh no, no!” said the cautious guy, “I won’t catch you like other men, For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.” This is my third poem about the COVID pandemic, only this time it’s taken from Mary Howitt’s poem “The Spider and the Fly.” In the opening line I’ve replaced the word “spider” with the word “COVID” and the word “fly” with “guy” to create a comedic effect on the entire poem. Reply Ryan Watch May 11, 2021 Oranges and lemons, Says the doctor quite clement. Stay healthy and clean, Says the makers of vaccines. If you want a cure, pay me money then Says the vaccine business men. You must wear a mask, ‘Tis not a toilsome task! Then you’ll be safe from the CO-vie, Says the stern CDC. And as you happily saunter to bed, The COVID advances her dread widespread Cough cough sneeze sneeze some poor man is dead! Good gravy! This is my fourth poem about the COVID pandemic and I have no idea when I’ll stop writing about it! Like the previous poem, I altered the words of the last line to make the rhyme more comic. Reply Mia May 18, 2021 The lion and the unicorn Were fighting for the crown The lion said to the unicorn Get out of town! So scorned he took his wife and horn To the land where the sun never sets, Where they dined and whined On their troubles and strife But could not agree on white bread or brown And sadly took to prattling for their sorrows to drown, Until all were fatigued with the impudent clowns And drummed them out of town. (To post or not to post, I hope you don’t drum me out of here.. I love this site and all the glorious poems) Reply Gail May 18, 2021 At least you’re a poet. If they drum you out of here, you’re welcome to join me in the peanut gallery. Reply Mia May 18, 2021 Apologies for my unfunny joke. Everyone is much too nice to drum anyone out. It is me feeling guilty as I keep posting and I am not a member. But Thank you Gail for saying I’m a poet. J. Starkey O'Fallon, Missouri 63366 July 1, 2021 Long Lives King Physics An egghead? Humpty Dumpty? Not at all– At least not by the law of dropping dead Since any downfall from a wall too tall Shall crack an egg or whack an egg yolk head When Gravity his countless gravy bits Commands in every bowl within the skies To shell each eggy bit in one big blitz Until a hardboiled matter plops and fries While yet in sync the king at once compels His saucy bits outnumbered in the earth Charge up against his untold gravy shells To proudly save intact an egg white girth– And all the horses still with all the men Eggs Benedict put not back in the hen. Reply Emma J Nokes September 30, 2021 The Wheels on the Bus are turning we spot the things they pass landmarks we’re observing as the people walk en masse London town is glowing with sights and smells and sound and the bus we’re on keeps going as the wheels go round and round Reply Patricia Redfern January 5, 2022 Ding Dong Bell. Nations not feeing well? Get shots of endless boosters! You will crow and be a sick rooster. Calling for death of those who don’t! Their choice stolen, by Mandate, the Power Goat! Reply Morrison Handley-Schachler July 30, 2022 Little Miss Muffet Has told me to stuff it, ‘Cause Jack is a much better find: His life is not stressful; He’s rich and successful, Intelligent, handsome and kind. She’s packing her boxes. The trunk with her socks is Already locked up in her car. She’s slamming the door that Leads out to make sure that It isn’t left somehow ajar. Well, after I’d blubbered, I went to the cupboard To look for a crateful of ale But I only found dairy Leftovers and scary Green broccoli, cabbage and kale. I’m not making dinner For just one poor sinner. It’s dairy leftovers today. I’m going to rough it, Sat on a tuffet, Eating her curds and whey. (A break up from years ago, I should add, nothing to do with my present relationship) Reply Jane Schulert May 28, 2023 Row, row, row your boat, Thinks Charon callously. Poor damned souls did not know Life is but a dream. Reply Louis Groarke July 11, 2023 Very nicely thought! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Paul Freeman May 7, 2021 Jack and Jill their bucket fill with earth, they’re tired and feeling ill. The chieftain ‘s barrow empties still, each time the curious children will run up the hill. Reply
Sandi Christie May 7, 2021 Twinkle, twinkle, There’s a wrinkle ‘Round my eyes, the lines do mar. Twinkle, twinkle, it’s a crinkle Shaped just like a Little star. Reply
Andrew Simpson June 9, 2021 Thank you. You made me smile. Talking, like my shaving mirror does to me. I look like the milky way. Reply
Cynthia Erlandson May 7, 2021 ‘Twas brillig, and The gimbling band Of Bandersnatches Made their catches In the burbling borogoves Where Jubjub loves The slithy toves. Reply
Daniel Kemper May 10, 2021 I liked the choice the best, though the execution is great as well. It reminded me that I’ve seen translations into French and German of Jabberwocky, which kind of blew my mind. How do you translate nonsense? Reply
Patricia Redfern June 11, 2021 Absolutlely a trophy for this..you gave me my first smile of the day. I love the original, as well. Delightful! Thank you, Cynthia Reply
Paul Freeman May 7, 2021 Peter Peeper was a loser, druggy and a constant boozer; mum and dad said he must choose a job like architect, or muse or chimney sweeper. Reply
Patricia Redfern October 11, 2021 Paul.. This is so well done. You have me laughing.! For that, I am utterly appreciative? Yours, Patricia Reply
Carol Connell May 7, 2021 The itsy bitsy spider fell in the roofer’s cider, and promptly was dumped out. Wee arachnid brilliant was quite resilient, went up the waterspout. Reply
Lucia Haase May 7, 2021 Mary mary, quite the fairy found the forest very scary… always watching, always wary. So she took the nearest ferry where she found the grassy prairie quite contrary. Reply
Will May 7, 2021 There was an old woman who very well knew the rent on her condo was long overdue, and children she had in that humble abode were more than allowed by her contract and code. Evict me she said, after all I’ve been through, it couldn’t get worse if I lived in a shoe. Reply
James A. Tweedie May 8, 2021 Three blind mice (But why? Who knows?) Thought it nice To chew on panty hose. I think it wouldn’t Be much fun Because they couldn’t See how they run. Reply
Carol Connell May 8, 2021 Little boy blue whined, “There’s nothing to do!” He was feeling rather forlorn. Music practice he shirked. His mother was irked, thus she bellowed, “Come blow your horn!” Reply
Jeff Eardley May 8, 2021 The Grand Old Duke of York, Prince Andrew, so it’s said, Had a meeting with Jeff Epstein, When he should have stayed in bed. The English Queen was not amused, Sat there in her Golden Crown, When she heard about his trousers, They were neither up nor down. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi May 8, 2021 Jack, be nimble With that fuse — A long one is the type to use. If it’s long, it does the trick. If it’s short, well… Jack, be quick. Reply
Daniel Kemper May 10, 2021 God forgive my bawdy mind, but this one had a hilarious Freudian level to it. Reply
Patricia Redfern October 11, 2021 Joseph! Perfection. A supeb write. You do have a marvelous wit, thank you! Patricia Reply
Roy E. Peterson May 8, 2021 Hey diddle, diddle Begins the riddle Of what is that screeching sound? They looked around And then they found The cat in the fiddle. Reply
Will May 8, 2021 Jack Sprat beneath his hat knew the good that lean begat. His protein diet strictly met had kept him well with one regret — forever tasting as he sat remorse that he could eat no fat. Reply
Paul Freeman May 8, 2021 Sing a song of ‘sixpence’, which also was a ‘tanner’ half of which was ‘thruppence’, nut-shaped for a spanner. Two sixpences, they made a ‘shilling’, twelve of them a ‘pound’ the smallest note of England’s realm that at that time was found. Two shillings was a ‘florin’, A ‘ha’p’ny’, half a p; then ‘tuppence’ was two pennies, not a real coin you see. Now getting back to sixpences they were a common thing, whilst sovereigns, made of gold, were fit to set before a king. Reply
Carol Connell May 8, 2021 There was a crooked man at least in my opinion, who sought to rule a nation through pure fraud and dominion. With the backing of the CCP plus his own clandestine style, waltzed his way to Capitol Hill and he went a crooked mile. *I promise this is my last one. Although I’m not a member here, I thank you for the opportunity to participate here. It was challenging and fun. Reply
Carol Connell May 9, 2021 Mr. Tessitore, I am humbled by your boldness. I will prayerfully consider it. Thank you!
Joe Tessitore May 8, 2021 Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall In winter and before he knew it His ass froze to it! Spring was a bummer And so was his summer Till it thawed and Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Reply
Sandi Christie May 8, 2021 There was an old lady who needed a mate So her friends set her up and she went on a date. The man’s name was Peter, a picker by trade Of peppers, potatoes, and other nightshades. The man whispered gently, do tell, is it true? I heard you were poor, and you lived in a shoe. Oh no, no, not I, did the woman deny, I’m just the lady who swallowed a fly. Reply
Sandi Christie May 9, 2021 Thank you Joe, and thank you for suggesting this challenge. It was very fun to participate in, and even more fun to read all of the great, witty responses that come from all of the talented people on this platform.
David Watt May 9, 2021 Mary, Mary, she was hairy As a man whose whiskers grow. So with gels and sharpened shells She cut them down all in a row. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi May 9, 2021 This is not exactly according to Joe T’s plan, but I couldn’t resist it: There was a crooked man And he really was a louse. He ran a rigged casino With card-sharps like his spouse. Alas, they did not prosper (Rhyme here with “blouse” or “douse”) Since gamblers would not bet against A little crooked house. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 9, 2021 Hickory Dick let’s make it quick – all done in the tick of a tock! You won’t cure the sick with a needle that thick! Is this shot compuls- ory Doc? Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 9, 2021 Joe S., I didn’t even know I had indulged in tmesis, and it wasn’t remotely painful! Thank you for my new word of the day… I love it! Absobloodylutely marvelous!
Mike Bryant May 9, 2021 Hey diddle, diddle… Doctor Lock knew a barman called Dick. Dickey hit drinks with almond, a flick. The Doc liked the slick, tasty trick, So he ordered Dick’s almond-flick kick. Now the Doctor showed up every night Because Dick made his favorite just right. But one evening Dick changed up Doc’s pick. He had run out of Doc’s almond stock. Doc sniffed, “Almond Daiquiri, Dick?” Dick quipped, “Hickory Daiquiri, Doc.” The mouse ran up the clock. Reply
Joe Tessitore May 9, 2021 Holy cow (that didn’t jump over the moon) – is that good!!! Bravo, Mike! Reply
Joe Tessitore May 10, 2021 I don’t know exactly how to say it, Mike, but that seems to be in the rules and out of the rulers, maybe beyond the rules? In any event, some of the best writing I’ve ever read!
Denniw May 9, 2021 With tools of power He forged a people Man’s red flower? Please, it pails under the steeple As a speaker with no equal Tells a tale to torment A sermon of hell Ode to fear and all its ferment With tools of power Verily He built well Reply
Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man. I baked a bread as best as I can. I rolled it, and beat it, and messed up with the yeast And put it in the oven for Baby and me. Reply
Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Ring-a-round the rosie, The air is full of CO-vies Achoo! Achoo! We all fall down. Here I go again writing another nursery rhyme about the pandemic! (Ha-ha. I can’t seem to stop myself though.) Reply
Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 Thank you Mr. Tessitore! That just came out of my head while writing. This challenge is a brain teaser and witty at the same time.
Joe Tessitore May 10, 2021 Ring around the rosie. The air is free of CO-vie. Batflu, Batflu, Fauci’s a clown. Reply
David Watt May 10, 2021 Georgie porgie, pudding and pie, Kept growing fatter, and didn’t know why. Could it be pudding and pie every day Or his penchant for a takeaway? Reply
Maurice DeLivre May 10, 2021 Here we come gathering nuts in May, writing poems, poems in May. Here we come composing rhymes in May, on a warm and balmy day. “What is the theme for our rhymes today?” “We’ll have COVID for our theme today!” We’ll send doctors to fetch COVID away, fetch COVID away, fetch COVID away. We’ll send nurses to fetch COVID away, on a cold and frosty morning. ————————————————————————————- Eenie, meenie, minie, moe, Catch the tyrant by election rows. If he wins then hear him say: “I’ll make it great, the USA!” Reply
Talbot Hook May 10, 2021 Baa, baa, black sheep, I’m in a state of mourning; The haberdasher ‘s lost my veil, The clothier’s are all too pale, And the funeral’s down in Corning. I’m at a loss and feeling frail, My head with worries full, So I’ve come to you with hope of sale: Have you any wool? Reply
Talbot May 10, 2021 Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie, Though highly pleasing to the eye, Had a strange diet, That caused ladies disquiet (For a regime of parfait Causes oral decay); His parents were lost (And the gals tempest-tossed) By a charge that he’d always deny: That he’d kissed the girls and made them cry. Reply
Ryan Watch May 10, 2021 “Will you walk into my parlour?” said the COVID to a guy; “I’m the nastiest little virus that ever you did spy. I’ll come in your parlour then you’ll catch me (yes, you’ll do!) And I’ll do many ghastly things, even fouler than the flu.” “Oh no, no!” said the cautious guy, “I won’t catch you like other men, For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.” This is my third poem about the COVID pandemic, only this time it’s taken from Mary Howitt’s poem “The Spider and the Fly.” In the opening line I’ve replaced the word “spider” with the word “COVID” and the word “fly” with “guy” to create a comedic effect on the entire poem. Reply
Ryan Watch May 11, 2021 Oranges and lemons, Says the doctor quite clement. Stay healthy and clean, Says the makers of vaccines. If you want a cure, pay me money then Says the vaccine business men. You must wear a mask, ‘Tis not a toilsome task! Then you’ll be safe from the CO-vie, Says the stern CDC. And as you happily saunter to bed, The COVID advances her dread widespread Cough cough sneeze sneeze some poor man is dead! Good gravy! This is my fourth poem about the COVID pandemic and I have no idea when I’ll stop writing about it! Like the previous poem, I altered the words of the last line to make the rhyme more comic. Reply
Mia May 18, 2021 The lion and the unicorn Were fighting for the crown The lion said to the unicorn Get out of town! So scorned he took his wife and horn To the land where the sun never sets, Where they dined and whined On their troubles and strife But could not agree on white bread or brown And sadly took to prattling for their sorrows to drown, Until all were fatigued with the impudent clowns And drummed them out of town. (To post or not to post, I hope you don’t drum me out of here.. I love this site and all the glorious poems) Reply
Gail May 18, 2021 At least you’re a poet. If they drum you out of here, you’re welcome to join me in the peanut gallery. Reply
Mia May 18, 2021 Apologies for my unfunny joke. Everyone is much too nice to drum anyone out. It is me feeling guilty as I keep posting and I am not a member. But Thank you Gail for saying I’m a poet.
J. Starkey O'Fallon, Missouri 63366 July 1, 2021 Long Lives King Physics An egghead? Humpty Dumpty? Not at all– At least not by the law of dropping dead Since any downfall from a wall too tall Shall crack an egg or whack an egg yolk head When Gravity his countless gravy bits Commands in every bowl within the skies To shell each eggy bit in one big blitz Until a hardboiled matter plops and fries While yet in sync the king at once compels His saucy bits outnumbered in the earth Charge up against his untold gravy shells To proudly save intact an egg white girth– And all the horses still with all the men Eggs Benedict put not back in the hen. Reply
Emma J Nokes September 30, 2021 The Wheels on the Bus are turning we spot the things they pass landmarks we’re observing as the people walk en masse London town is glowing with sights and smells and sound and the bus we’re on keeps going as the wheels go round and round Reply
Patricia Redfern January 5, 2022 Ding Dong Bell. Nations not feeing well? Get shots of endless boosters! You will crow and be a sick rooster. Calling for death of those who don’t! Their choice stolen, by Mandate, the Power Goat! Reply
Morrison Handley-Schachler July 30, 2022 Little Miss Muffet Has told me to stuff it, ‘Cause Jack is a much better find: His life is not stressful; He’s rich and successful, Intelligent, handsome and kind. She’s packing her boxes. The trunk with her socks is Already locked up in her car. She’s slamming the door that Leads out to make sure that It isn’t left somehow ajar. Well, after I’d blubbered, I went to the cupboard To look for a crateful of ale But I only found dairy Leftovers and scary Green broccoli, cabbage and kale. I’m not making dinner For just one poor sinner. It’s dairy leftovers today. I’m going to rough it, Sat on a tuffet, Eating her curds and whey. (A break up from years ago, I should add, nothing to do with my present relationship) Reply
Jane Schulert May 28, 2023 Row, row, row your boat, Thinks Charon callously. Poor damned souls did not know Life is but a dream. Reply