Archive for the ‘Celebrations Poetry’ Category
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Every year I like to celebrate Limerick Day (May 12) by writing a limerick in honor of Edward Lear, the father of the limerick. (Here are the two limericks I wrote in Lear’s honor last year.)
Since I’ve recently gotten into writing acrostic limericks, I decided to make things about bit harder on myself and write an acrostic limerick to celebrate Limerick Day (and Lear’s birthday.)
Happy Limerick Day (Acrostic Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Edward Lear should be honored — hooray!
Lim’rick verses he fathered, some say.
Entertained us with wit—
A nonsensical hit.
Remember his birthday — 12 May.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate National Limerick Day, why not try participating in this week’s Limerick-Off?
Tags: Acrostic Poems, Celebrations Poetry, Edward Lear, May Holidays, National Limerick Day, Writers
Posted in Acrostic Limericks, Authors & Playwrights, Birthday Verse, Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Light Verse, Limericks, Writing & Publishing Humor | 15 Comments »
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
I just found out that this week (May 1 through May 7) is National Pet Week. So I thought I’d celebrate with a canine limerick:
A Limerick About Nothing
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A fellow who owned a pet dog
Took him out for a walk in the fog.
Soon the man and his hound
Were back home safe and sound,
Where he wrote up their walk on his blog.
UPDATE: Happy “Walking The Dog Day.” (February 22)
Tags: Animal Verse, Blogging Humor, Dog Humor, May Holidays, National Pet Week, Pet Limerick, Pet Owners, Walking Poetry, Walking The Dog Day
Posted in Animal & Pet Humor, Blogging Humor, Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Outdoors Humor, Walking Humor | 8 Comments »
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
As part of its National Poetry Month and Poem In Your Pocket Day “Envelope Project” celebrations, New York City is running an Emily Dickinson related poetry contest. Basically, it involves writing your own poems using Dickinson first lines.
Although I didn’t enter the contest (I wasn’t thrilled with its reprint permission form) I chose four Emily Dickinson first lines and wrote four short, whimsical, New York City-inspired poems. Here they are, with Dickinson’s words noted in italics:
I shall keep singing though I’m bad,
and those who hear me shout, “Egad!”
You’ll never see me on Broadway,
unless you mean my street display.
*****
The Cricket sang.
My sleep is done.
I’d sooner hear an engine run.
*****
I started Early–Took my Dog —
unleashed — don’t fret —
Just franks and grog.
*****
A Day! Help! Help! Another Day!
I wish sometimes they’d go away.
I much prefer the dark of night
So daylight please, go fly a kite.
*****
Tags: April Holidays, Celebrations Poetry, Emily Dickinson, Envelope Project, National Poetry Month, New York City Verse, Poem In Your Pocket Day, Poetry Contest
Posted in Authors & Playwrights, Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, New York Limericks & Haiku, Poetry Contest | 14 Comments »
Friday, April 1st, 2011
Limerick Lament
By Madeleine Begun Kane
There are times that I feel like a tool,
Complying with each lim’rick rule.
So starting today
I refuse to obey.
Don’t believe me? You’re right. April Fool!
(My 2nd National Poetry Month poem, and it’s still April 1st. Yippee!)
Tags: April Fools' Day, April Holidays, Limerick Rules, Poetry Forms, Writing & Publishing Humor
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Creativity Verse, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Poetry Forms, Poetry Rules, Writing & Publishing Humor | 17 Comments »
Friday, April 1st, 2011
National Poetry Month begins today, April 1st. And so…
Ready, Set, Versify!
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I hope to write a poem a day
this month from April 1 till May.
They won’t be long — they rarely are.
Four lines or five, then au revoir.
No need to worry what’s in store:
My ADD cuts in before
I’ve time to wax verbose, prolix —
I used those last two words for kicks.
(I have lots of information here about National Poetry Month.)
Tags: April Holidays, National Poetry Month, Poetry Celebrations
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Creativity Verse, Holiday Humor | 17 Comments »
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
April 1st is coming. Are you excited yet? No, I’m not talking about April Fool’s Day, although that’s pretty cool too. But April 1st is also the start of a month-long celebration of poetry in the U.S.A. — National Poetry Month (not to be confused with World Poetry Day.) Many online poets celebrate by writing a poem each day, and they announce their poetic participation over at NaPoWriMo.
So will I be writing a limerick a day in April? Damn right … with the occasional haiku, tanka, quatrain, or butterfly cinquain thrown in to spice things up. And of course I’ll be posting my weekly Limerick-Offs and Limerick of the Week contests every Sunday or Monday.
Here’s my Limerick Ode To National Poetry Month:
Limerick Ode To National Poetry Month (April 2011)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear poets, it’s time to prepare
For our April-long poetry fair.
We’ll write verse ev’ry day.
Not on Tax Day? Okay.
Just be sure that you read, write, and share.
Here are some good poetry sites that plan to celebrate National Poetry Month in a big way with daily prompts: Big Tent Poetry and Poetic Asides. Additionally, Writers Island will be providing a daily spot to post your April poems. And if that’s not enough, some sites offer daily prompts all year long, such as The Teachers Corner and Dodge Writes.
Moreover, New York City is holding two poetry contests in honor of National Poetry Month: NYC’s second annual Twitter poetry “Poetweet” contest and its “Poem In Your Pocket Day NYC” Facebook page “Envelope Project.”
If you know of any other National Poetry Day events, contests, and/or prompts, feel free to post them here in the comments section. Thanks!
Tags: April Holidays, Big Tent Poetry, Envelope Project, Limerick Poems, NaPoWriMo, National Poetry Month, New York City, Poem In Your Pocket Day, Poetry Celebrations, Poetry Prompt, Poetweet Contest
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Creativity Verse, Holiday Humor, Letter Limericks, Limericks, New York Limericks & Haiku, Poetry & Prompts, Poetry Contest | 13 Comments »
Friday, March 25th, 2011
Did you know that today, March 25th, is International Waffle Day? Me neither. And if you feel compelled to celebrate waffles twice each year, National Waffle Day and the waffle iron patent are celebrated on August 24th.
So why am I telling you this? Because I’m obediently rising to the challenge of writing a poem about breakfast. And I stumbled upon all this waffle nonsense while doing some poetic procrastination.
*****
Ode to Breakfast
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Oatmeal breaks my fast
when I arise,
though it tastes like paste
in breakfast guise.
Why not something else
I don’t despise?
Cuz I hate each choice
those chefs devise.
Waffles, eggs, French toast
grits — some may prize.
But hot oatmeal’s quick.
So enough with the “whys.”
*****
While I’m at it, here’s a haiku about my favorite morning (and afternoon and pretty much all day) beverage:
Coffee never tempts,
but denied cappuccino
then call me verklempt.
*****
UPDATE: October 29 is National Oatmeal Day.
Tags: Breakfast Verse, Caffeine Humor, Cappuccino Haiku, Celebrations Poetry, Food Poem, Food Verse, Holiday Humor, Inventions Poem, National Oatmeal Day, Oatmeal Day, Oatmeal Humor, October Holidays, Odd Holidays, Waffles
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Food & Drink Humor, Holiday Humor, Light Verse, Limericks, Odd Holidays | 11 Comments »
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
So far, March has been a big month for celebratory limericks. I’ve already limericked about International Women’s Day, Daylight Savings Time, Pi Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. And now it’s time for a two-verse limerick celebrating World Poetry Day, which falls on March 21st:
Limerick Ode To World Poetry Day
By Madeleine Begun Kane
On World Poetry Day write some verse,
Or in poetry reading immerse.
Try a lim’rick, haiku,
Sonnet, ode, clerihew —
Something witty, or languid, or terse.
On World Poetry Day have some fun:
Compose quatrains, blank verse, or haibun.
Double dactyl, sestina —
The poet’s arena
Will even permit you to pun.
UPDATE: I discovered and corrected some serious errors on Wikipedia’s World Poetry Day page (Google’s top entry for the World Poetry Day topic.) The most glaring error was made more than a month ago, on February 15th, by someone who apparently was manipulating Wikipedia on behalf of a UK-based “global grocery and general merchandising retailer” named Tesco. All references to UNESCO, which had declared March 21st to be World Poetry Day, had been changed to TESCO.
I was stunned that nobody was monitoring Wikipedia well enough to catch and correct this error, and that it took me, an infrequent Wikipedia user, to fix it.
So let that be a lesson to people who rely on Wikipedia. While it’s often useful, it’s far from the gospel. And if you find errors there, be a good Internet citizen and fix them.
One more thing — I urge all poets and writers who are at all publicity-minded, to create their own Wikipedia page. Here’s mine.
UPDATE 2: Commenter Tilly Bud inspired me to combine my two limericks, turning them into a two-verse limerick. Thanks, Tilly!
Tags: Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, March Holidays, Odd Holidays, Poetry Forms, Seasonal Verse, World Poetry Day
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Odd Holidays, Poems About Poems, Poetry Forms, Seasons Humor, Writing & Publishing Humor | 32 Comments »
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
Limerick Ode To St. Patrick’s Day
By Madeleine Begun Kane
On St. Patrick’s Day join in the fun.
We’re all Irish that day — yes, each one.
So wear green, find a pub,
Eat some cabbagy grub,
And until you’ve drunk beer, you ain’t done.
Tags: Beer, Cabbage, Celebrations Poetry, Food Poem, Holiday Humor, Irish Limerick, Irish Pubs, March Holidays, Seasonal Verse, St. Paddy's Day, St. Patrick's Day Humor
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Food & Drink Humor, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Seasons Humor | 11 Comments »
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
Dear Math Enthusiasts: My apologies for writing this Limerick Ode to Pi one day late. I hope it isn’t too radical for me to defend myself by saying I posted it circa Pi Day. And that I’m just an average (okay … eccentric) math user who often goes off on tangents and spirals out of control. Or are you diametrically opposed to such a rationale?
Don’t like my angle? Okay, I absolutely promise that next year I’ll try to be acutely accurate. But in the meantime, here’s my celebratory verse:
Limerick Ode To Pi
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The 14th of March just went by,
And I failed to commemorate Pi.
Pi is three point one four
And more digits galore.
Next year circle your calendars. Bye.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Sorry for the height of silliness. I figure I should probably stop now, cuz you’ve lost interest and have concluded I’m flipping irrational.
Okay, I’m done now. We’re all squared away. You can count on it.
UPDATE: Here’s my new limerick for Pi Day 2014.
Tags: Arithmetic, Celebrations Poetry, Education & School Humor, March 14th, March Holidays, Math Humor, Mathematics Poem, Pi
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Education & School Humor, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Odd Holidays, Seasons Humor | 5 Comments »
Saturday, March 12th, 2011
Limerick Ode To Daylight Saving Time
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Our clocks all need changing tonight.
Daylight Saving Time — oh what a blight!
We may think it a crock,
But must alter each clock
Till the powers that be see the light.
(More DST humor here.)
Tags: Clocks Limerick, Daylight Saving Time, Daylight Savings Time, DST, DST Humor, Holiday Poetry, March Holidays, Odd Holidays, SpringForward, SpringForwardDay, Standard Time, Time Humor, Time Verse
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Odd Holidays, Seasons Humor, Sleep & Insomnia Humor, Time Humor | 8 Comments »
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
Limerick Ode To International Women’s Day
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I nearly forgot — not sure how —
International Women’s Day — Wow!
It’s the 8th day of March —
Not a day to be arch
Or silly or zany, so Ciao!
Tags: Celebrations Poetry, Feminism Humor, Holiday Humor, International Women's Day, March Holidays, Women Verse
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Feminist Satire, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Social Satire | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
Each year our calendars are jam-packed with weird, oddball holidays created, presumably, by equally weird people. Since I’m just as odd as the next person, I figure I’m entitled to invent one too … assuming I can come up with something strange that isn’t already taken.
Anyway, while scrolling through several calendars specializing in bizarre holidays, I noticed a startling omission. Apparently, nobody’s thought to invent All My Gizmos Are Working Day. That is, until now.
So with the powers vested in me as a member in good standing of the New York State Bar, I hereby declare March 2, 2011 to be the first annual All My Gizmos Are Working Day.
As you might expect, I’m commemorating this spanking new holiday with a limerick. But before I get to my verse, let me first acknowledge that most people won’t be able to really celebrate All My Gizmos Are Working Day on March 2nd. In fact, there’s a good chance I won’t be able to enjoy it either.
Why not? Because I can’t remember the last time that I didn’t have at least one broken gadget — a kitchen appliance, TV, DVD player, stereo, land line, cell phone, computer, e-book reader, MP3 player, etc. At least one electronic thingamajig is always misbehaving.
But hope springs eternal, right? So here’s my celebratory limerick:
Limerick Ode To All My Gizmos Are Working Day
By Madeleine Begun Kane
All My Gizmos Are Working Day’s here.
March 2nd’s that day of good cheer.
If, alas, you’re disgusted
Cuz something is busted,
Try again on March 2nd next year.
(Inspired by Big Tent’s anti-holiday prompt.)
UPDATE: I’ve learned that March 26th is Make up your own Holiday Day.
Tags: All My Gizmos Are Working Day, Broken Gadgets Verse, Calendar Humor, Computer Verse, Gadget Humor, Gizmos, Holiday Satire, Law Humor, Limerick, Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, March Holidays, Odd Holidays, Technology Limerick, Weird Celebrations
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Computer Humor, Holiday Humor, Humor Columns & Humorous Essays, Legal & Lawyer Humor, Limericks, Social Satire, Technology Humor, Weird News Snark | 22 Comments »
Saturday, January 1st, 2011
I wrote this limerick right after Mark and I finished celebrating the new year with lots of champagne. Nice to know that I can write a limerick (more or less) while under the influence:
Drunken Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Can I write silly verse after drinking?
Let’s see. Wait a second — I’m thinking.
Can’t come up with a verse
Or a rhyme. Even worse,
I suspect that this limerick’s stinking.
And speaking of “under the influence,” never forget this important adage: Let he who is without gin blast the first groan.
Tags: Alcoholic Poems, Celebrations Poetry, champagne, December Holidays, Drink Verse, Drinking Limerick, Holiday Poetry, New Year's Poem, Writing Limericks
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Food & Drink Humor, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Writing & Publishing Humor | Comments Off on Drunken New Year’s Limerick
Saturday, December 25th, 2010
When I was growing up, my mother used to joke that “Christmas isn’t such Jewish holiday.”
We Jews do tend to feel left out of things this time of year. After all, Chanukah may be really, really long, but it just doesn’t have that Christmas panache. Ask Jon Stewart, if you don’t believe me.
So I think we Jews need a Christmas limerick, and I’ve written one in my late mom’s honor:
A Jewish Christmas Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
You’re Jewish and feeling left out?
We have holy days too we can tout.
So enjoy and feel chipper.
We’ve still got Yom Kippur.
On second thought, go ahead — pout.
Update: For those who pronounce Yom Kippur the other way, I’ve written an alternative B-rhyme for the 3rd and 4th lines. Here’s the alternate version:
A Jewish Christmas Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
You’re Jewish and feeling left out?
We have holy days too we can tout.
Ain’t you thrilled to your core
By the great Yom Kippur?
On second thought, go ahead — pout.
Tags: Chanukah, Christmas Humor, Christmas Limerick, December Holidays, Holiday Limerick, Jewish Humor, Jon Stewart, Religion Humor, Seasonal Poems
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Jewish Humor, Limericks, Religion Verse, Seasons Humor | 3 Comments »
Saturday, December 18th, 2010
Last week I wrote a series of holiday office party haiku before and after my husband’s office Christmas party. Having survived the festivities, I figured I’d post what’s turned into a trilogy here. (Note: I added one in 2014, turning it into a quartet.)
Holiday party
At husband’s office tonight.
Note to self: Behave.
*****
Trying not to smile–
must conserve facial muscles
for office party.
*****
Friendly note from pals:
“Enjoy the office party.”
Never a good plan.
*****
Ev’ryone behaved
At the office Christmas bash.
Now safe to have fun.
(You can find more of my office party humor here.)
Tags: Christmas Party Humor, December Holidays, Holiday Haiku, Office Party, Seasonal Senryu, Work Humor
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Haiku & Senryu, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Workplace & Career Humor | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
Just in time for Chanukah, I’ve given Winter Wonderland a new first verse. Feel free to add your own verses, if you’re so inclined. As for me, I’m on the hunt for some chocolate Chanukah gelt. But first I must sing my Chanukah song verse:
Candles lit. Are you looking?
Dreidels spin. Latkas cooking.
Menorahs aglow.
(A mitzvah, you know.)
Chanukah is here. Strike up the band.
Tags: Chanukah, December Holidays, Festival Of Lights, Hanukkah, Holiday Song, Jewish Humor, Song Parody, Winter Humor
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Jewish Humor, Music Humor & Verse, Seasons Humor | 6 Comments »
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
I can’t let Thanksgiving go by without writing a limerick. Or maybe I can. On the other hand, I’m pretty sure it’s my duty as an American citizen to post this while there’s still time to save yourselves:
Limerick Ode To Thanksgiving
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Whatever you’re planning to eat
This Thanksgiving, I hope it’s a treat.
Whether stuffing and turkey
Or something more quirky,
Here’s hoping it doesn’t repeat.
Tags: Food Verse, Holiday Poetry, November Holidays, Stuffing Limerick, Thanksgiving, Turkey Humor
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Food & Drink Humor, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Seasons Humor | 5 Comments »
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
One of my most important duties is to keep you abreast of important holidays like National Vodka Day, National Punctuation Day, International Limerick Day, National Grammar Day, and the subject of today’s limerick: National Boss Day.
That’s right — our poor beleaguered bosses get their own holiday on October 16th:
National Boss Day — Who Needs It? (Limerick)
For a reason I don’t comprehend
Bosses get their own day — what a trend.
A national day
When our bosses hold sway?
How silly! Such nonsense must end.
(You can find more of my employment humor here.)
Tags: Boss Humor, National Boss Day, October Holidays, Odd Holidays, Work Humor
Posted in Business Humor, Celebrations Poetry, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Money & Finance Humor, Odd Holidays, Workplace & Career Humor | 6 Comments »
Monday, October 4th, 2010
Wow! It’s almost midnight on October 4th. And that means I almost missed National Vodka Day. Must celebrate with a limerick:
Happy Vodka Day!
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Which liquor’s remembered today?
Not tequila or rum or Lillet.
I’m afraid you don’t win
If you guess that it’s gin,
Cuz it’s vodka. Start pouring, okay?
Tags: Alcoholic Poems, Celebrations Poetry, Drink Verse, Holiday Humor, Lillet, National Vodka Day, October Holidays, Odd Holidays, Rum, Tequila, Vodka
Posted in Celebrations Poetry, Food & Drink Humor, Holiday Humor, Limericks, Odd Holidays | 4 Comments »
