​They sail along, like jeweled boats,
On gently rocking waves,
A fleet to treat all watching eyes,
That scan the pond for faves.

This stately line of feathered kind
A silent mystery streams
As grace and beauty on parade
Surpass the best of dreams.

Abundant though the Canada Geese,
A special charm they bear;
The whitish scarf tied high and proud
Is flag to life we share.

While countries sit in boundaries drawn
Of places and their names,
These birds remind a greater truth:
Pervasive soul remains.

​Apparently, the correct usage of neither nor and either or can be tricky in some cases, and applying the rule of having the verb match the closest noun may feel uncomfortable. Here’s another way of thinking about it, bearing in mind that the exception proves the rule.


When "either or" and "neither nor”
Meet subjects who implore,
The second subject through the door
Is given favor more.

“Since Jack and Jill live near the hill,
They climb together still;
But neither Jack nor friends of Jill
Are sure that she is real.”

“If either they or he inquires,
Proceed as if through briars,
For neither you nor Jill aspires
To swell the ranks of liars.”