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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

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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.