[Jayne Osborn]

Yes, but 'prescriptive formats' make things what they are, don't they, Bazza?

When does a clerihew cease to be a clerihew and become just a four line poem about someone (or something, as per this challenge)?

Wit and invention will win over another clerihew that hasn't got it, but being a clerihew is still the basic requirement.

Jayne

[Jayne Osborn]

Two last-minute attempts:

The late Ronald Searle's
naughty schoolgirls
were a marvellous creation,
causing much titillation.

Macca (Sir Paul)
met his downfall
with the crazy Heather.
He and Nancy should be happier together.

[Susan d.S.]

I wonder about the form, too--what does one do with all of the celebrities with one name, sometimes one syllable?

Cher -Cher?
The name's too spare,
She is one of the few
Who eludes Clerihew.


Good luck Jayne!
One of the Susans (

[John Whitworth]

Bentley himself (google him) used places and also first lines of which the name was only a part. So I think Bazza is right.

Geography
Is about maps
But biography
Is about chaps.

is one of his.

[Susan d.S.]

Here are two classics from Auden's Academic Graffiti (In Memoriam Ogden Nash):

When Karl Marx
Found the phrase "financial sharks",
He sang a Te Deum
In the British Museum.

Lord Byron
Once succumbed to a Siren:
His flesh was weak,
Hers Greek.

[FOsen]

I agree with Bazza and John - in all things - which isn't easy.


Poets Oswald and Kinsella
Would prefer salmonella,
To an Eliot from Aurum,
Which they found lacking in decorum.

[Jerome Betts]

Ditto, Jayne. Spectator stipulates by midday on given date while NS just says 'by 19th January.' I take this to mean 'not later than' but but sent my last minute attempts before 12 just in case.

Osama
Was dispatched in a drama.
Some said he was noble
And others just OBL.

Elizabeth Taylor
Was no modest veiler.
Without benefit of Girton
She acquired Richard Burton.

[Susan d.S.]

Jayne, I also had McCartney one (bet there will be tons!)

McCartney, Paul
Still had the gall
To marry again, to a Garbage Queen.
Let’s hope she’s nicer; Heather was mean.

[Jayne Osborn]

Susan and Jerome,
I've never entered this comp before. I'm not hopeful, but it was fun to have a go.
Good luck with yours!

Bentley himself (google him) used places and also first lines of which the name was only a part. So I think Bazza is right.

John and Bazza,
What I meant earlier related to Chris' entries. These seem far too long to me and don't look like clerihews (sorry, no offence, Chris!).

GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry is prone to gaffs;
this Good Ole Boy provides the comics with plenty laughs;
Rick wanted to take the White House, one, two, three,
but 'tis better Ricky boy return to Texas, let's all agree.

Herman Cain for Prez'dent? Hey, now, that's profane!
How he scratched his chin: "What's that lady's name again?!!"
No, Herman won't make his home at Sixteen Hundred.
Cain proved himself not able. . . in short, he blundered.

[Susan d.S.]

Chris,
With some editing, you can make these hew to the Clerihew line. You need two couplets, the first line a proper name (or place or event for this competition). There are no strict rules about line lengths or enjambments, but they are in general on the pithy side.
Best,
Susan