English is a rebellious tongue

defiant and disobedient.

Like a passionate protestor

it rails against rigid rules

and dodges

pattern and conformity.

And lucky is the linguist

who joins its

joyful dance.

 

Where males may sail

with crews who cruise

past whales in Wales

and foul sea fowl.

And soles are soiled

down lanes well lain

and herds are heard

where whey is weighed.

And hot suns rise

where strong sons stride

hauling papers 

ripe with news

of lawyers who pore

over every clause

to save criminals course

from lives cut short

by the noose.

And citizens all

from hovel to hall - 

newspaper buyers

blind to the bias -

pause

while coffee is poured

and pampered pets 

with padded paws

and sharpened claws 

proudly purr.

 

A playful tongue 

for a sophisticated palate.

A language so liberal

It’s largely illogic.

A sound-scape so varied

its range is symphonic.

How blessed is the poet

with palette

so

kaleidoscopic.