7.12.2011

An Ode to a Toad (Poetry Schmoetry) - writercize #82

I'm not sure exactly how or when it happened, but replacing the start of any word with "schm" has become the perfect substitute for a rhyme when none exists or the author wants to lighten the mood.  It's actually pretty fabulous if you think about it - it makes writing much simpler.  Except for words that already start with "sh."  Then it doesn't work quite so well - shoe schmoe just doesn't have the same ring as napkin schmapkin or working schmorking or fancy schmancy ... or poetry schmoetry.  Try it for fun.  It's like a magic smile on your face.

Today's poem is a part of the Poetry Schmoetry blogfest hosted by Small Town Shelly Brown.  (Seriously, don't smile after reading that sentence - I dare you.)  The blogfest lasts until Friday and participants just have to post one poem this week to participate, so if you haven't already, get on the bandwagon and add yourself to her linky-link!

I was originally thinking I'd write a nice poem about the moon, but after looking at the silliness above, I've changed my mind.  Maybe tomorrow.  It's all about silly rhymes now.

writercize:  Pick a type of poetry.  (i.e. Ode, Sonnet, Ballad, Limerick, Haiku, Epic, Free, Quatrain, Acrostic - whatever you like)  Now, find a word or phrase that rhymes with that type of poetry.  Combining the two, give your poem the title and get writing!  

For example, you could write a sonnet on a bonnet, or an agnostic acrostic, or a quatrain in the rain, or a salad ballad.  You get the point.  I chose an ode to a toad.

Click "read more" for writercizer sample ode to a toad response.  Please note I am not a biologist, so if I make errors about the ways of the toad, forgive me. 
writercizer response: 

An Ode to a Toad

Oh bumpy green friend
with the deep, throaty croak
you live in cold, wet mud
without nary a cloak.

Your big bulging eyes
and your rough spotted skin
may not be the loveliest
to those looking in.

But know I appreciate you
and think you are wise
for you eat swamp mosquitoes
and pesky horse flies.

So thanks to you toad
with your funny webbed toes;
the next time I see you
I'll plant a kiss on your nose.

12 comments:

  1. well you used all the good ones!
    how bout a schmerse of free verse?
    i like your toad ode =)

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  2. Great schmoem! I'm suddenly liking toad better now :)

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  3. Thank goodness for the schm-toad. Not very smooth, is it? Enjoyed your cute poem.

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  4. Careful, some toads have toxic excretions that come out their skin!

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  5. Laughing so hard at the above comment, but it's true! Be careful of who you smooch, he might be a total schmuck. Loved the poem!

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  6. Eyesrain Quatrain

    Eyestrain occurs when your eyes get tired
    Computers, books, and video games should be retired
    Although eyestrain can be annoying, it usually isn't serious
    Unlike pinkeye, eyestrain is not contagious

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  7. I want to be there when you plant that kiss. Frog poetry is great and there should be more of it.

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  8. Alana you're funny! I like funny!
    Nice work with rhyme and meter. It is a fun entry. I'm really glad you participated.

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  9. I've always thought toads got a bad rap!
    Very funny and enjoyable poem!

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  10. Aw, thanks Randy! :)

    Yes, more toad and frog poetry indeed.

    Shelly - you're pretty funny yourself. Thanks again for hosting!

    Christine - eww. Secretions. Just the word is enough to keep me far from any froggie mouth for a good long time! ;)

    Alma - those poor eyes! I hope you're resting them and giving them a break by now ... but I have an inkling that's not the case. ;)

    Thanks everybody for your comments!!

    This poetry schmoetry was great! Now I've got to make my rounds and see all the fabulous poems you all came up with! Reading blogs is decisively more difficult when you only have the late night to surf, I've decided ...

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