- Published on
(A proofreader's note on “blatant” and “flagrant”)
The “flagrant” and “blatant” will never be fragrant
But full of offensiveness both,
With “blatant” hinting this certain distinction,
“Served open like unto an oath.”
In terms of a scale of their badness or wrongness,
The “flagrant” is thought of as worse;
But given the outcome as clearly obtrusive,
Then “blatant” is rightly the curse.
Since that which is “blatant” is done in the open
Without the shame that's due,
The word emphasizes “offensively conspicuous”
And failure also to rue.
Thus, closely akin to “blatant” is “brazen,”
Which poses unashamed,
For “brazen” is rude with a boldness exceptional,
At level for it to be famed.
- Published on
(A proofreader's note regarding “leach” and “leech")
The little leech on Lisa latched
So firmly was attached
That remedies both dire and rash
Were serious options hashed.
If only she were granular
And rightly soluble,
Then she and leech could separate
By leaching possible.
Not being a sacrificial leech,
Yet leech-like with aplomb,
The worm has offered no response,
Advantage-taking some.
Advantage-taking discomforts
May carry itches each,
Thus causing cries of “eeeh” to be,
And pointing then to “leech.”
Habitually sponging on a chum
Defines for us this leech;
It need not be an actual worm
But simply fill the niche.
- Published on
(A proofreader's note to illustrate “eminence” and “imminence”)
From “standing out” comes “eminent,”
“Important,” “famous” then to mean,
While “imminent” from “overhang”
Will “happening soon” a warning keen.
"'Twas from a minor eminence
His Eminence the Bishop spoke;
And now that eminence is known,
More famous than its simple folk.
"The lack of true preeminence
Throughout the years did bother some,
While others claimed it immanent,
Predicting insight yet to come.
"A reckoning is imminent,
Desired by those most skeptical;
Will it provide immense disproof
Or just enough to render null?"
A looming status qualifies
And clear defines this imminence,
Its likely outcome negative
And bearing inconvenience.