The English language, said to be
the bastard progeny of Norman soldiers
and Saxon barmaids—exploded
after the conquest, it's true, chelating
consonants with reckless caprice.
Ancient reprobates must have croaked
vehement complaints against the new
ways of speaking—but the irresistible
insolence of the exulting new generations
swept them thrashing away.
A poor investment of effort, trying
to hold back the congress of tongues
in the name of "purity"—as though
vowels could be held to the moral
standards of a private cosmos.
words courtesy of Read Write Poem
Yeah, "cosmic" for "cosmorama" was a stretch.
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Vowel Cosmorama
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8 comments:
from Therese L. Broderick -- A barbed (with consonants)cautionary tale about language as a living, reproducing force -- and a tale still relevant today: impure but lusty "spam" won't be suppressed. I admire the way you pace the syntax with versifying. Another accomplished poem!
The history of the English language and a meditation on language purity. Amazing! I particularly like the last stanza.
nice one, and a wise move not to include cosmoramic. whatever else this language is, there does seem room in it for almost anything
nice one, and a wise move not to include cosmoramic. whatever else this language is, there does seem room in it for almost anything
Wow! I think you used the words very well to tell a story. Nothing out of place, everything fits. And I like your descriptions too, especially in the first stanza (the Norman soldiers and the barmaids).
Thank you for sharing.
-Nicole
I also loved the way you brought in the pillagers and the barmaids. It's a great detail and it really grounds the whole poetic discussion that follows about language. Good use of the words.
A very unique look at the history of the English language. I liked your perspective and I really enjoyed your poem. Thanks for sharing.
i like what you have done with the words....nicely done and thanks for sharing
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