Robert Hanrott
the author
Ogden Nash was arguably the greatest writer of funny and ironic verse. Since his time the genre has lost favor, but rhyming is in again we are told. Here, we post some light-hearted verse designed to provoke a reflection or perhaps to bring a smile to the lips.
To all aspiring versifiers! Email us with your verses. Preference will be given to submissions that are light-hearted, wry, ironic or funny.
The editor's decision is final.
Light Verse
In the tradition of Ogden Nash
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An unsung hero, who played the organ in a burning church, is remembered. And it is my earliest, and most vivid, memory | |
And in previous months........ |
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May America's war criminals be one day indicted! | |
Why those who pray constantly find their prayers are not answered. | |
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A protest against the intellectual pygmies who trash their political opponents and bring politics into disrepute. |
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A prediction about the future |
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Why have Americans allowed their country to be so deeply amaged by ideologues? |
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America has gone sleepwalking down a dangerous path. Damaged by ideologues, second take. | |
The disaster of neo-liberalism and unrestrained capitalism | |
An apology | |
| Committees | Committees and their members |
Greek island in the sun. | |
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A poem about peace, calm and tranquillity. |
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As Experienced by an Olde Englisheman,with Apologies to Chaucer, Milton, Dryden, whoever… |
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A fantasy inspired by the Strangler Fig tree at The Moorings, Islamorada. |
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We are losing the ability to enjoy silence, blessed silence. |
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They said it was impossible to rhyme these four words. Mmh. |
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A poem, now set to music. Piano score available on request. |
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For choice read confusion. |
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Why do they keep discontinuing our favourite products? |
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Where is the local government when you want it? | |
Yes, it's about me! | |
Piano lessons and Jeffrey Chappell | |
Memorializing the horrors of workmen in the house. | |
| A favourite thing. | |
Starting the day calm and contented. | |
A Treat at The Ritz. | |
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The Cold War seems quite cosy in comparison to the Bush wars and threats of wars. |
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Imagine this accompanied by guitar and a West Virginian accent! |
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Poets writing for poets. |
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An exhibition of John Constable’s painting. Constable's painting and thoughts thereon |
Thoughts on attending an exhibition of John Constable’s painting at the National Gallery in Washington D.C. |
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Abandon fear- - read Epicurus! |
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For the grandchildren. |
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Now will the oil companies admit that human activity is causing climate change? |
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British Airways are pleased to announce that, as from January 1st, 2007, in order to provide ever better service to its customers and to contain rising costs, all World Traveller seating on long-haul flights will be removed, and passengers will have the opportunity to keep fit and make new friends by moving freely around the cabin.The ending of sedentary postures will also help to prevent blood clots. |
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Some verse about the death of Zarqawi, leader of Al Queda in Iraq, and how Americans will draw all the wrong conclusions from it. |
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A fine old maple tree protests at its imminent destruction. |
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Why can't hoteliers cater to those of us who cannot sleep in rock-hard beds? |
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No longer do you drop off your cleaning and walk out. Oh, no! This is the technological age! |
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What on earth can we take as a gift for our hosts tonight? A problem we all have. |
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Why is it that some successful businessmen become obsessive, penny-pinching and miserable? |
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A self-absorbed hippopotamus hears some unwelcome news. |
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So you'd like to live in a new house? |
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A disaster narrowly averted |
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Verse submitted by John Chappell |
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My son has a rather large allotment in Oxford. Rather him than me! |
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Not all Provencal houses are bucolic delights. |
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A letter of thanks to a brilliant surgeon. |
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The demise of the British high street. |
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Verses in appreciation of a famous economist. |
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I maintain that it was this poem that persuaded British Rail to organise an intelligent queuing system. |
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In recognition of a world-class cook. |
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The ability of insurance companies to avoid paying claims is truly staggering. |
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A bad hair day. |
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Thank goodness. We men never do grow up. |
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From a poor swimmer to a good one |
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Our favourite and most romantic treat. |
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In praise of the tune. |
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In praise of the rhyme. |
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Help! |
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About the gym. |
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