Discussion Groups / English Usage / May 2009

I know this comes nowhere near JH's mini-masterpieces, but ya gotta
start somewhere.  And a little self-reference never hurt anyone.  So,
in the spirit of what it says, here's my first "published" attempt:

'Tis difficult to coin a villanelle,
And one is loath a versifier to be
For AUEers -- critical as hell

And apt to act as though a noxious smell
Has seeped into their midst.  They ought to see
'Tis difficult to coin a villanelle.

The form is strict; each syllable must tell.
I coin no poem lovely as a tree
For AUEers -- critical as hell.

But if they think I've wrought my poem well,
They may then post a few kind words for me.
'Tis difficult to coin a villanelle.

So, I have bravely exited my shell
And got to work, as busy as a bee,
For AUEers -- critical as hell.

This plainly is not rare enough to sell.
So here it is -- gratis, sans charge, and free
For AUEers -- critical as hell.
'Tis difficult to coin a villanelle.