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Amusing verses that shine a light on mostly medical and grammatical topics

When proofreading with an eye to perfection, there really is no substitute for good research. While one is always guided by the client's stated preferences regarding style, there is also a baseline understanding that serves as the foundation against which required differences are compared.

I will be offering some home-grown verses here that may be helpful for keeping certain basics in mind while adapting to the guidelines of a specific project, whether under the umbrella of CMOS, AP, APA, MLA, or other guidance.

They are not intended to be comprehensive regarding any particular issue. Rather, the purpose is to draw attention to identifiable aspects that are worth noting and make them memorable.

I think of these verses tongue in cheek as "Grammar Grist." Others that you find here will be more along the lines of "Medical Musings"; some might even qualify as a combination of the two.

It'll be fun. So, let's do it. Share the cheer everywhere.

© 2022 - 2025 Medillumina

MASSIF/MASSIVE

11/3/2025

(A proofreader's note regarding “massif”and “massive”)

The “massive” we know from the English we speak
Reveres a precursor in massa for “mass.”
This Latin ancestor gave birth to “massif,”
Which led to our “massive” but no more, alas.

Restricted is “massive” to adjective roles,
With shades of “impressive” by size or by weight.
Its meanings as “large” beyond structure will go;
“Severe” and “extensive” may also relate.

“Massif” in full contrast is always a noun,
Although the French cousin descriptor may play:
A block of the crust of our planet the Earth
Or mountain mass major, whichever you say.

In our humble language, “massif” stands alone
Without roles dependent like “massive” at large.
Perhaps consolation then “mastiff” provides,
A giant called “gentle” when canines meet judge.

"The monstrously massive dog at the front gate
Did cause the sore hiker to wonder his fate;
Massif had been conquered, this memorable date,
But here was this mastiff to gloating deflate.”

IMMIGRATE/EMIGRATE

10/28/2025

(A proofreader's note about “immigrate” and “emigrate”)

In “immigrate” and “emigrate,”
Migrate is given theme,
With people moving place to place,
Their eyes agleam with dream.

All immigrants and emigrants
Are moving in or out;
They in-migrate and out-migrate;
Perspective it's about.

Thus “emigrate from” is the norm
When saying “emigrate,”
With “immigrate to” much preferred
If latter reference made.

The “e” so sharp in “exit” then
Is key to keeping straight;
When “leaving from,” not “coming in,”
Make “emigrate” your date.

“They emigrated from their homes,
Bright emigrants with hope;
On shore they stood as 'immigrants,'
As seen from native scope.”

ingenious/ingenuous

10/21/2025

(A proofreader's note about “ingenious” and “ingenuous”)

“Ingenious,” “ingenuous” would seem to be twins,
Alike in each feature except at the hinge;
It’s only at “i” and conversely at “u”
They manage disjoining and fail to impinge.

They both have origins relating to birth,
But meanings divergent make different their ways.
“Ingenious” at times will “inventiveness” claim;
“Ingenuous,” alas, may “naivety” grace.

Remembering the difference is simple by sound;
“Ingenious” when spoken will “genius” emit.
“Ingenuous” instead may of “genuine” remind,
A dose of the “candid” and “guileless” to wit.

“Our Jeanie and Jenny were partners alone,
With 'Jeanie Ingenious' as jack-of-all-trades;
And if a new prospect was spiky on phone,
Then 'Jenny Ingenuous' was calming in spades.”

ORDINANCE/ORDNANCE

10/14/2025

(A proofreader's note about “ordinance” and “ordnance”)

With “put in order” at its base,
Word “ordinance” arose:
Decree or practice, law, or fate,
Provisions for martial blows.

The regimented life of troops,
All ready and precise,
Would clip the word and “ordnance” make,
Thus cut and trim to rights.

The taller word here “ordinance”
Produced the shorter child.
Decreed it was through natural speech,
The “i” let go as wild.

Hence “ordnance” from “ordinance”
For military tools was birthed;
In vivo not in vitro made,
With “in” a clue unearthed.

“By ordinance, each village trained
With ordnance on hand.
The natives claimed it preordained,
From gods an order grand.”

FORBIDDING/FORBIDDEN

10/6/2025

(A proofreader's note about “forbidding” and “forbidden”)

“Forbidding” and “forbidden” share a parent in “forbid,”
From whom they take the notion of commanding as they go;
“Forbid” will mean to hinder or to order strong against,
Command delivered actually or as the end would show.

Synonymous with “outlaw” and “prohibit” and “enjoin”
And likewise unto “interdict” or “block” or “ban” to boot,
“Forbid” can take the meaning of such orders in effect,
Its taller children given thus more senses at their root.

So think then of “forbidding” as just “tending to forbid,”
Inclusive though of “menacing” and “threatening” and “grim.”
“Forbidden,” the descriptor of the object of “forbid,”
Identifies the item there commanded as too dim.

“Free climbing on the tower was forbidden by the school,
But Alex and his pals believed surmounting would be cool.
The route was not forbidding but the goal an envied jewel
Since 'master the forbidden' was for them a special rule.”

RELAY/RELATE

9/29/2025

(A proofreader's note regarding “relay” and “relate”)

Like “relay,” the race, all “relays” transfer;
From one to another a signal they send;
For even the hounds in exchange and refresh--
A getting and passing-on ever they lend.

When speaking of “relay” we sometimes intend
The laying of items like emphasis placed
On syllables favored in words like “relay”
That otherwise leave us all flustered and crazed.

With emphasis second, this latter is verb,
Though sometimes the same will its strength put on first.
To “receive and then pass along” core to its act,
“Relay” adds precision; “relate” does it nurse.

“Relate” is a telling, no transfer implied,
Without a relationship tied to its hide.
But with understanding, connection twixt two,
“Relate” is then given more meanings to ride.

“To relay the pavers, her spouse made a date,
Accepting that 're-lie' no stones would obey.
Their fate she would guess and their story relate
While waiting for word from her mate to relay.”

ILLUSION/ALLUSION

9/23/2025

(A proofreader's note regarding “illusion” and “allusion”)

Creating a thing illusory
Domain of “illusion” is;
Illusion serves deception
To senses or mind with ease.

It often will trick one's vision,
Misleading through the eyes;
Sometimes belief is target,
Beset by subtle lies.

A known and actual reference
At heart of “allusion” lies;
“Allusion” merely hints, though;
From pointing direct it shies.

Involving “alluding to something,”
“Allusion” is “playful” at root;
Unlike “illusion,” however,
Deception will never it suit.

The “i” of illusion may grant us
A way for the memory to soar;
Illusions most often will revel
With eyes to misguide at the fore.

TROOPER/TROUPER

9/17/2025

(A proofreader's note regarding “trooper” and “trouper”)

A trooper or trouper derives from a unit
Defined as a troop or a troupe;
The latter performers, alike formal soldiers,
Are led by a drive to not droop.

The term “a real trouper” came first within trouping,
“Reliable as actor” its fact.
But when in the contexts of army, policing,
It's “real trooper” we favor for tact.

More often we see that not courage and bravery
In physical conflict is meant,
But “steady, resilient in times that are trying,”
With “real trouper” then the intent.

CONSOLE/CONDOLE

9/7/2025

(A proofreader's note regarding “console” and “condole”)

“Console” stands in contrast to “console” its mirror
Because of mere syllable blest.
The difference in meaning defeats an alliance
Along with their sounds when addressed.

“Console” with “condole” is enamored and blissful,
The spelling a feature ignored.
“Condole with” expresses compassion in suffering;
“Console,” to bring comfort aboard.

Since “d” will forever our “s” be preceding,
“Condole before moving to console.”
Condole with your friend when misfortune arises,
Console to help lift and make whole.

“The shiny new console was scant consolation
For tonsils inflamed and enraged.
His friends on the phone while sincerely condoling
Had yet to console him where caged.”

COLLABORATE/CORROBORATE

9/2/2025

(A proofreader's note regarding “collaborate” and “corroborate”)

“Collaborate,” “corroborate” begin alike with “co,”
Suggesting that “together” is the only way to go.
“Corroborate” will strengthen, while “collaborate” will work,
“Supporting” then and “laboring,” respectively, the quirk.

“Make stronger now together” is “corroborate” at core,
The added information aiding confirmation more.
But “working close together” with a goal ahead to make –
The essence of “collaborate” when meaning is at stake.