K.I.S.S.

(Keep It Simple, Stupid!)

So, taking to heart  the advice so often offered to me, I give you today's ode - the Ode to Simplicity. You'll see. . .I am trying!

I've heard it over and over again -

The bigger the word, the more the pain

To understand what one is reading!

But I'll not heed such lazy pleading

To simplify the things I write -

No! I can't give up the fight

To use the whole vocabulary

Comprising my own formulary

Of words I use for the edification

Of those who lack my sophistication!

Sound condescending or high-fallutin'?

My reply is "Yer darn tootin'!"

Though I've come at last to the conclusion

That precise expression is my delusion.

Still - I struggle every day

For exactly le mot juste to say.

(Therefore, when I'm in a pinch

I will resort to using French.)

But knowing the distance words can create

'Twixt poet and reader, I know my fate:

Continue to complexify

and use those words that vexify

Or reduce all words to just one syllable

Like "cash is due" for "services billable."

I see it now, my choice is clear:

For my readership will shrink, I fear,

If I continue on my path

And thus incur their scorn and wrath

For my poetry, often complicated

With words long and unaltercated.

Were I to define, their minds would atrophy,

And explaining to them my lofty philosophy

Of language, most surely would perturb me,

Irritate, nettle, rag, disturb me.

So if the reader's always right,

Then I must give up and cede this fight!

From this day on I'll do my best

To satisfy my rhyming quest

By using words both short and easy -

Even when they make me queasy.

But, until I get the hang of it

You can expect me to harangue a bit!

©Paula Tohline Calhoun-2010


This shameless act of self-promotion, by posting my odes several times on multiple sites, is my attempt to put myself  "out there" as much as possible. My bust won't, so I have to distinguish myself otherwise.  Besides, it is my blog, after all.  Please feel free to write your own and publish new material every day.  Me?  I'm lazy, and loving it!


Regards to you all, my Gentle Readers, and when it comes to my sterling poetry, may you never get


enough. . .