XMTS Poet Laureate Rhyming Challenge

[ForresterModern]

Okay folks, Barry wrote a lovely poem in salute to XMarks and all it stands for posted in another thread (In Praise of Xmarks), but it seems that there is another of fine literary background and talent with a great history of both moderating and literary service to Xmarks that predates that of Barry, our own Panache. Not that a gauntlet has been thrown down or anything but I think it might be interesting to start an ongoing Xmarks poem that each can contribute to, and if others care to chime in with their own set please join the fray. We may at the end be able to choose our Xmarks Poet Laureate from the results, or at the very least be able to laugh about the whole thing for as long as the good times last. So here are the very simple rules:

1. Structure: each contribution must be a six line set in iambic pentameter (like those set out in Barry's beautiful post), e.g. iambic pentameter (5 iambs, 10 syllables)

That time | of year | thou mayst | in me | behold

with accents on the bolded syllables.

2. Subject matter: anything related to kilts, materials, styles, accessories, wearing or making or other activities, etc., related to kilts and their effects on us, those around us, and the world, including ourselves. Wide open here.

3. Each author must contribute only one six line set, then await a response in kind from anyone else who jumps in the fray, before adding his/her next six line set.

4. Each six line set must somehow relate to its immediate predecessor, answering a question raised or responding to a comment made. In other words, this must be a continuing train of thought.

5. Each six line set must follow its predecessor by no more than 24 hours to keep the game going.


All on the forum can play but only by contributing your own 6 line set following the above rules. Please don't interrupt the flow by injecting comments into the thread----we can start a parallel thread for comments. I expect we will see a lot of sets from Barry and Panache, but hope that others will choose to play as well.

Hoping for lots of fun.

Since Panache has home court advantage, being a longer standing member and a moderator, the first set is offered up to the visiting team, namely Barry.


Take it away, Barry.



Edit May 3: For those who would liketo make comments please do so at the companion comment thread I just added today. Thanks.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/c...473/index.html

[Barry]

Well, FM, the gaultlet has been thrown down. Thank you for the kind words. This thread should be fun.

(stoops and picks up gauntlet). Here be a six line set in iambic pentameter:

There is a wondrous garment on which this site is built
That special skirt from Scotland; I’m talking of the kilt
Its bought us health and happiness as well as many chums
It’s comfortable and colourful, and covers up our bums!
And as to that great title: the Poet laureate
Until all odes are duly in you’ll really have to wait

Slainte!

[Rex_Tremende]

Fear not my friend, for here it will not end
If to this cause the rabble will attend.
Who knows but we who venture out in skirts
must keep our wits about us for the flirts
who pry and jerks who try to make us cry?
A clever phrase is handy in reply!

[Panache]

To blend in and remain unnoticed other men desire
But we will brightly stand out in our highland attire
In tartan splendor and great confidence we stride
Through our days with head held high and filled with pride
The kilt and our assurance to wear it bring us praise
And so the kilted man fully and boldly lives his days

[McClef]

From ticket sales for the steaming trains
To being scanned to fly on soaring 'planes
T'is all taken with such an easy stride
As much as when a bridegroom with a bride.
Yet more often too as shyness shedding
Proves to men kilts are not just for wedding!

[Big Mikey]

And if the wedded bliss should end
And you wind up in court my friend
Stand proud before the magistrate
And these words reiterate
The love is gone, the wife must go
But not my kilt, oh no, oh no.

[Rex_Tremende]

Alas, a lass is no accessory.
For some it starts and ends with one, you see.
But others think when one is good, try two.
One step upon the slip’ry slope you’ll rue.
You’ll kiss your wallet and your bride goodbye,
When kilts become the apples of your eye.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

For those who love the kilt more than the wife
You may wish to live a life without strife
But those who love the wife more than the kilt
Know that without strife a house is not built
That will hold children, wife and husband dear
And last, and grow for many a long year

[Rex_Tremende]

A wife who in exchange for love will sew
a jacket, kilt, or costume for her beau
deserves the finest home a man can buy.
If she’s the one in pants and not the guy,
and he’s the one who tends to house and home,
then lucky him, and never shall he roam!

[Panache]

Is it the garment or the statement made?
That gather the compliments paid
What about the kilt catches the Lover's eye?
That cause both woman and man to sigh
Perhaps by being to our own selves true
Gives enough reason for them to pursue