Home » Poems » Paul Callus » Between Inverted Commas

Between Inverted Commas

Crammed between inverted commas one puts quotes or direct speech, could be single, could be double seems a simple task to teach. Yet some students often mix them. It’s a skill beyond their reach! ----------------------------- For Line Gauthier's contest Six lines of cheerful rhyme 14th April, 2020

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Angela Crabtree

Date: 11/19/2020 7:05:00 PM

I still have problems with punctuation. That's why I quit putting it in my poems ;)

Paul Callus
Date: 11/21/2020 1:04:00 PM

Smiling :) I didn't know that, so be assured this poem was not written with you in mind:) Wishing you a lovely weekend, Angela. // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 10/29/2020 12:58:00 PM

LOL, had a chuckle here - but yes, that's so true

Paul Callus
Date: 11/1/2020 2:39:00 AM

Pleased you enjoyed it my friend :) Regards // paul

Sand Blown

Date: 6/29/2020 6:46:00 PM

….was a math teacher....about as difficult to teach as english grammar...a challenge …..stan sand

Paul Callus
Date: 7/1/2020 2:52:00 AM

I agree with you, Stan. All subjects have their own personal ways of challenging us! Thank you for stopping by....paul

Paghunda Zahid

Date: 5/8/2020 11:30:00 AM

Yeah it is never a simple task to teach... Nicely written

Paul Callus
Date: 5/8/2020 12:58:00 PM

Thank you for reading and commenting, Paghunda. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul

Timothy Hicks

Date: 4/25/2020 12:16:00 PM

Ha! This appeals to the grammar nerd in me. And yet, at times, I feel like a hypocrite because my grammar can seem all over the place (especially with my liberal use of brackets/parenthesis). Cute rhyme.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/26/2020 3:10:00 PM

Thank you, Timothy. Your use of punctuation marks is intentional so I would never dream of drawing your attention to it:) Never sacrifice style to accommodate grammar..they are capable of living peacefully together! Regards // paul

Anil Deo

Date: 4/24/2020 7:26:00 PM

You wrote, "could be single, could be double," and in my own poem, I "crammed' this: "The universe is in your eyes, ['a skill beyond ... reach'] of adults I try to teach." Hope the contest is loads of fun & learning, Paul. Shalom, shalom

Paul Callus
Date: 4/25/2020 10:56:00 AM

Thank you for reading, and also supplying your own version, Anil. Let me go see what new poem/s you have posted. Regards & peace // paul

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 4/23/2020 10:06:00 PM

I'm a comma nerd, so I had to read this! I've spent almost as much time on punctuation as I have on the verses, so this one resonates (and all your commas are properly placed!)

Paul Callus
Date: 4/24/2020 1:32:00 PM

Thank you for your pleasant vist, Michelle :) Regards // paul

Gideon Foli

Date: 4/21/2020 11:31:00 PM

That's very true and you captured it a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing this Paul. Stay safe my dear friend. Love and hugs!!!

Paul Callus
Date: 4/22/2020 2:38:00 PM

Thank you :) So pleased you found it to your liking. Take care and stay safe, too, my friend. Hugs // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/20/2020 5:42:00 PM

I totally agree with you Paul. Also if you give them syllables to count many do not have a clue of how to count them. You being a teacher, I can only imagine some of the things that have reached your eyes.I enjoyed this poem Paul. Have a great week my friend. Blessings, Connie

Paul Callus
Date: 4/21/2020 2:53:00 AM

Thank you, Connie. Fortunately the learning process never ends, so we are all still in time to gain some more knowledge. Keep well, my friend. // paul

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 4/20/2020 5:28:00 AM

A clever brill poem on grammar and punctuation . Super cool and yes for learners it is hard. Kudos. Pls Pleez do read and comment my newest poem too.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/20/2020 7:26:00 AM

Thank you, Zaynab. I have already read your latest poem and I found it delightful & topical. Regards // paul

Brandy Nicole

Date: 4/19/2020 10:36:00 PM

Whether "Crammed between inverted commas" or not. :) Shhh, I had to do it. Your words bring a smile. I like what you have created here. Well done Paul. :) Brandy

Paul Callus
Date: 4/20/2020 7:08:00 AM

I read your comments with a smile, Brandy :) Thank you for a very pleasant visit :) Have a lovely day. Regards // paul

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 4/19/2020 7:47:00 PM

G'day Paul … the art of writing true grammar appears to be neglected or not taught anymore. It's a shame and a real pity indeed - stay safe Paul - Lindsay

Paul Callus
Date: 4/20/2020 7:37:00 AM

Thank you, Lindsay. There are writers who exclude punctuation marks on purpose, as if trying to make a point, but I'm all for its correct use. Imagine trying to build a house without foundations:) Regards // paul

Silent One

Date: 4/19/2020 2:34:00 PM

Grammar seems to have changed, mainly due to technology I think.... Nice 6 lines

Paul Callus
Date: 4/20/2020 7:18:00 AM

Punctuation marks will always be relevant, even in a changing world, S-1, though it's clear that many are not bothered about using it properly. Thank you for stopping by. // paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 4/18/2020 8:18:00 AM

I really like this poem, perhaps some people are in a hurry and don't pay attention, perhaps some don't know the difference, and perhaps some don't really care - modern English has almost become another language due to social media and cell phones. Great poem Paul, Warm regards and hugs Jennifer.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/19/2020 12:00:00 PM

Thank you, Jenny. I agree with you...thanks to 'shorthand' typing on cell phones etc, writing has deteriorated. ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Quoth Theraven

Date: 4/18/2020 12:16:00 AM

Paul, Alas, it's dark magic I've never been able to fully comprehend. Quotations, not for the feint of heart. Good stuff. -Richard

Paul Callus
Date: 4/19/2020 11:43:00 AM

Thank you, Richard...I will not quote you :) Regards // paul

M. L. Kiser

Date: 4/17/2020 3:40:00 PM

Brilliant piece; well penned.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/19/2020 11:24:00 AM

Pleased you enjoyed, ML...thank you. Regards // paul

Eileen Manassian

Date: 4/17/2020 4:13:00 AM

It truly is hard for some to grasp. Lovely little rhythm. Hope you're keeping well.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/18/2020 5:26:00 PM

Thank you, Eileen. For some the 'peach' is out of reach! Trying to keep out of harm's way :) Enjoy the weekend. Hugs // paul

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/15/2020 9:43:00 AM

Cleverly expressed Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/18/2020 5:27:00 PM

Thank you, Richard. Hope you're keeping well. Regards // paul

Jcb Brul

Date: 4/15/2020 8:19:00 AM

Wow, very imaginative! Between inverted commas are spoken and unspoken words that can make and unmake us. Good luck and more power.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/18/2020 5:18:00 PM

Thank you. Power to you too:) ~ Regards // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 4/14/2020 4:11:00 PM

Much art to using those inverted commas--well portrayed Paul. All the best.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/19/2020 11:16:00 AM

Thank you, Vijay. This was fun poem to write:) Regards // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/14/2020 12:57:00 PM

- Comma rules are important ... Norwegian comma rules are largely based on grammar ... I don't know if it applies to all languages ... luck in the contest, Paul :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Paul Callus
Date: 4/18/2020 5:05:00 PM

Thank you, Anne-Lise:) All punctuation marks should help to make written language clearer and easier to understand. ~ Hugs // paul

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 4/14/2020 12:56:00 PM

A meaningful lesson from a teacher, presented in a cheerful concise poetry.. That's very true, Paul, many acquisitions have become beyond pupils reach! Your poetic flair always reaches your reader's mind and heart! A wonderful read! My warmest wishes and regards. God bless you.