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[Inferno] The part of school that's worst is writing lists Of words my classmates just don't understand. Ces't tres facile, but dull -- I wish I'd missed! [Purgatory] Much better, yes, but still, to me, quite bland Is science class, where we must try and do Experiments, and study factors grand. [Paradisio] The best for me, and also maybe you Is more creative than the boring others And I can draw, and I'm allowed to, too! Carolyn Lamb (with minor metrical assistance from Stanley) [Inferno] Oh, wow! You mean that you're allowed (with Mother's permission, I assume) to draw a gun? Perhaps it's just a squirt gun dual with brothers. [Purgatory] Or maybe where you live, you don't have run- ning water, and you really mean you git to pump the handle on the well? How fun. [Paradisio] Well, I would much prefer to do my bit with lobster, lobster bib, and butter drawn, Enjoying lobster meat while dipping it. Stanley E. Anderson [Paradisio] I too enjoy to nibble shrimp or prawn Or feast upon most any crustacean And lick the carapace clean, 'til all is gone. [Purgatory] The crayfish, here, on most any occasion Is the preferred delicacy. They're swell! Others, to eat them, require great persuasion. [Inferno] But are they crayfish, or crawfish, do tell? In the argot of creole Louisiana, One spelling or the other serves as well. Martin H. Booda [Inferno] But as for me, I wouldn't call them manna, All legs and shells and eyes on stalks -- I shudder And make my sandwich -- honey and banana [Purgatory] On whole wheat bread, with crunchy peanut butter. A glass of milk -- oh, 'tis a snack divine! (But sticky, so it makes me gulp and stutter.) [Paradisio] But far the best, the food for which I pine -- Clam chowder (the New England), thick with 'taters, A loaf, some butter, wine -- now we may dine. Vera A. Nazarov [Paradisio] Our pick of wine? Or shall we ask the waiter's? Perhaps a Cabernet from Sauvignon poured swirling down into our crystal craters. [Purgatory] A glass of Chardonnay might set the tone: "A white with seafood," so tradition talks. We'll wait, and leave the choice to the "garçon." [Inferno] Well, hmm..., no wine yet from the cellar stocks. Let's sneak downstairs and see what he's about. -- Oh, horrors! Look! He draws it from a box. Stanley and Angelee Anderson [Inferno] For meals less fine or when the wine rack's out, I'll settle for a metal can of beer Or, for that matter, porter, ale, or stout. [Purgatory] Good taste ordains that glass contains our cheer, With malty beverage poured from vitreous jug Or bottle, be it brown or green or clear. [Paradisio] But when I'd rather sip than chug-a-lug, I totter down to tavern, order fresh From cellared cask, a draught in frosty mug. Bill Flis [Paradisio] Within the public-house, good friends may mesh To renew auld acquaintances, catch up With gossip or just press the flesh. [Purgatory] Oft times are friendships, or much more, o'er cup Or glass or mug begun or amplified. The milk of human friendship is a savory sup. [Inferno] True, a grouchy drunkard is occasionally spied. And drink has spawned more than one melee. But eyes are loving, e'en those that are pied. Martin H. Booda [Inferno] But, pie-eyed, meaning too oft goes agley; Communication suffers with dull wit, 'Til only slip 'twixt brain and lip we see. [Purgatory] Once mouth is opened, what will come of it? Spirits imbibed, often the truth will out, Though frequently the 'out'ing will not quit. [Paradisio] Still, balance and true moderation shout That riposte and true wit may be engaged, From the oiled tongue of most any lout. Rick Strong [Inferno] On t'other hand, one oft becomes enraged Or lachrymose when one is in one's cups-- The heavy toper might better be caged. [Purgatory] The worthy drinker imbibes as he sups Creating no unpleasantness or scenes. No dancing on the table, no chuck-ups. [Paradisio] Wise Socrates (and Plato) spoke of means, Of balance, moderation in all things... 'Sides, with a beer gut, you can't zip your jeans. Vera A. Nazarov [Inferno] And after one too many, darling flings discretion to the wind in(deed!) and song. Married, one is more mindful what one sings! [Purgatory] Searching, to be sensual is not wrong. . . Be mindful who you touch and how you fall, in case that someone special comes along. [Paradisio] Marriage can be the sweetest joy of all on earth (though I have known some who went sour) with one who holds you (dear)--and comes when you call! Nicole duPlessis [Paradisio] Decreed it was in time's first blooming hours that trees adorn the earth's new maiden head, as hair from Eve's inviolate beauty flowers. [Purgatory] Thus, shining forest from earth's crown o'erspread -- 'til sin-grown hands of man and tool defrock, and beauty fell and earth untress. Instead [Inferno] of glory, shame, and smirch, and baldness mock. The hewing made of man's own soul a stump; and he is timbered by the rape of the lock. Monica Shearer [Inferno] Our palm tree now is nothing but a clump of shavings on the ground; a scattered dream that waits to waken at the heav'nly trump. [Purgatory] Planted right up against the house, 'twould seem the previous owners did not have a clue that it would shoot up far above roof beam, [Paradisio] and to the house, potential damage do. Oh, for the day when man and nature live no more at odds, and fit a plan more true! Barbara Peelles [Inferno] The palm tree can no longer its shade give No shady rest provide? -- no longer tree, But felled and fallen low waits to relive. [Purgatory] A shadow of its former self only Sawdust to dust; yet hopes in Heaven's ray of Son, whose rising bids all shadows flee. [Paradisio] And nature, long subjected to decay Immortal grows in that new morning's sun. The palm will rise on its own Palm Sunday. Monica Shearer |