Grammar

(Apologies to R.W. Emerson)

Being the Twenty First of the Black Hole Ballads

IF the Grammarian thinks he speaks
The English tongue as it is spoken,
Would he were here but two short weeks,
He’s have his poor heart broken.

There’s one who comes from Colby here,
To whom each word means just the same;
Alike to him correct appear,
Words are but words. What’s in a name?

He reckons ill to leave words out,
And says at times long-winded things.
We doubt a little, but our doubt
Is greatest when he loudly sings.

When we would chide he says, “Dear me!”
“This is the Douglas Grammar School?
“Should I not speak? Here speech is free!”
We turn our backs upon the fool.

9. 3. 1928