[John Whitworth]

Pompous and prolix? Can that be us? Yes it can I am sure. I think examples can be found at leastv two hundred years ago. Are you as old as THAT, Bill?

No. 2801: SHOW TIME

You are invited to rewrite in pompous and prolix style any well-known simple poem (please specify; 16 lines max.). Email entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 5 June.

[Rob Stuart]

Originally Posted by John Whitworth

Pompous and prolix? Can that be us? Yes it can I am sure. I think examples can be found at leastv two hundred years ago. Are you as old as THAT, Bill?

No. 2801: SHOW TIME

You are invited to rewrite in pompous and prolix style any well-known simple poem (please specify; 16 lines max.). Email entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 5 June.

This has a distinctly Gavin Ewart-y feel to it. Looks like it could be fun.

[Jeanne G]

I keep trying to read these things and it's all very British and goes over my little Canadian head (apparently I have many Britishisms to learn yet). Pompous I think I get, but prolix? Bloody google again.


Jeanne

[Brian Allgar]

I think perhaps 'prolix' could be translated as the writer's equivalent of 'blabbermouthed'.

[Jeanne G]

Originally Posted by Brian Allgar

I think perhaps 'prolix' could be translated as the writer's equivalent of 'blabbermouthed'.

Oh goodie, now that's my language (this latter part anyway), and my species! How can the clay say to the potter, why hast thou made me thus?


Jeanne

[Brian Allgar]

I do not like thee - why, I cannot say.
Is it thy breath, that reeks of rancid onions?
Is it thy feet, deformed by warts and bunions?
Thy nasal hair, exuberant and grey?

Thy scabby pate, thy brow grotesquely simian?
Thy lurching gait, thy swinish bloodshot eyes?
Thy buttocks, like a pair of flaccid pies?
Thou couldst not be mistaken for Endymion!

Thy raucous voice, thy sneering and thy snarling,
Thy violent tantrums, and thy vicious temper
Surpassing dogs with rabies or distemper -
In short, I’d find it hard to call thee “Darling”.

Perhaps, above all else, that fæcal smell
Is why I do not like thee, Doctor Fell.