What rhymes with orange?

As my first post on this new blog, I suppose I should answer the question posed in the introduction.  As any doggerel monger will tell you, it's not how you get there, it's how well it rhymes and how clever it is.  As far as I'm concerned, there are no rules except successfully completing the rhyme while trying to maintain the meter. Just ask our Patron Saint – Dr. Seuss.

This poem, which answers the 'orange' question, was written for my wonderful Dad who passed away 11 years ago.  He's the guy who read me The Dr. Seuss Sleep Book so many times we both memorized it.  He was also a terrific poet himself, and responsible for any poetic and musical talent I may have.

So Dad, this is for you.  I love you and miss you!

ODE TO A CREATION TURN
Copyright 2011 by Roger B. Stone

An agonizing turn of phrase;

A wisp of tortured rhyme;

This tangled web of syntax

Constitutes the poet's crime.

For what sin is he indicted

If not verbal mutilation?

He'll commit syllabic larc'ny

To keep rhythmic his creation.

He's the master of forced couplets

He'll pair O.J. with Nicole;

No taboos and nothing's sacred

In his sick linguistic soul.

He will stretch the lengths and breadths of taste

In weaving his melange.

In his conceit he'll even have

A Frenchman shout, "Orange!"

Is it a talent or a curse

To feel compelled to erudition?

Is mangling the Queen's tongue

Cause for sainthood or perdition?

But like Tantalus he reaches

Towards excruciating pleasure,

Because one time in a thousand

He'll unearth poetic treasure!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 1996!!!

House of Correction?

So here's another Father's Day poem.  Don't know what year I wrote it, but based on the paper, it was composed on a typewriter (remember those)?

CIRCUMSPECTION
Copyright 2012 by Roger B. Stone
A man's home is is castle and no one ought question
His subtle and sober and pensive direction
For as head of the household and charged with protection
He is wont to exhibit a strong predilection
(Upon thoughtful, considered, and lengthy reflection)
For sharing advice or a weighty suggestion

Which is quickly rebuked so he feels great rejection
And likens himself to a slug or infection
(Which doesn't stand up to a careful inspection)
But he stuffs himself full of all types of confection
Which only upsets his poor, tender digestion
After years of receiving this type of correction
He finally makes the enlightened connection
This twisted abuse is a sign of affection
By loved ones who realize that without exception
He is getting too close to a state of perfection

Happy Father's Day!