Abused and Misused

We learn to skip before we run,
We learn to crawl before we walk.
We often look before we leap
But rarely think before we talk.
Words are our friends and should be cherished as such,
But too many, it seems, don't seem to care very much.
I have pity on poor defenseless words
When we batter, and bludgeon,
And pummel, and trounce them,
And feel especially bad
When I abuse, or misuse,
Or misspell, or mispronounce them*.

*Author's note and disclaimer: Many of you, dear readers, are well aware that in certain of my pieces, I do these things with a certain degree of frequency, but when I do, I claim poetic license and/or plead the Ogden Nash Amendment, which is: My muse made me do it.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Elless Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 6:29 AM
Abused and misused, the scope of literary latitude. Great poem Jim. Love the theme. Keep Rolling.
Elless Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 6:28 AM
Abused and misused, the scope of literary latitude. Great poem Jim. Love the theme. Keep Rolling.
Slaughter Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 8:52 AM
R. J., thank you X2.
Baker Avatar
July 15, 2023 at 4:29 PM
"Your apology is accepted because of this fine poem, Jim," said the world of words. There's true in them there words, my friend. Bill
Slaughter Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 8:52 AM
Thanks, Bill, and I hope you're not just "saying" that.
M  Avatar
July 15, 2023 at 3:27 PM
Ha l really like this Jim…..very cleverly written! Debx
Slaughter Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 8:51 AM
Thank you, Deb. The joy of working with words.
Bauer Avatar
July 15, 2023 at 2:45 PM
well said, jim! love your note at the end...
Slaughter Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 8:51 AM
Thanks, Ilene. Hope I"m not just "copping a plea".
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