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Open Poetry #42
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What Have We Done
| Open Poetry #42 |
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What Have We Done |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria 
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What Have We Done to Our language The English language is on a spiral downhill, For many words now don’t mean the same, Their use is different when we use them today And we must all share some of the blame. When I was young and you said something was cool, It meant it was somewhere between hot and cold, That is just one small demonstration we see, As our English Language destruction unfold. Often when folks say they’re going somewhere, Perhaps to some place that they’d like to go too, Instead of pronouncing the words with some care, They’ll tell you what they are just gunna do. In bygone days when someone said crumpet, You immediately thought of syrup or honey, The word is crudely used by youngsters today And they all think that it’s really quite funny. The term we once used as, ‘how we made out,’ Referred to how you went in your latest exam, Rock music was a lullaby from old Granny’ And no distinguishable word such as spam. A stud was something you used in your collar And grass was mown but not smoked, A joint was a roast you had on a Sunday And pot was a utensil in which it was soaked. When we used the term, ‘going all the way,’ It really meant staying on the bus till the end, A gay person was the life of the party And of fast food we could only pretend. Aids was something enhancing our beauty And time sharing meant togetherness, Sheltered accommodation was the bus shelter And meaningful relationship was friendship success. Coke was something you kept in the woodshed And a chip was wood cuttings not fries, Nuts & bolts was what we called hardware And a big Mac was a raincoat, oversized. So you can see what we’ve done to our language, the terrible mess that we’ve made But I don’t think it will ever get better, It is just something we cannot evade. Lindsay P Wilson |
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| © Copyright 2008 Lindsay P Wilson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Very good. I hope we get back to good English some day. My mother did not allow us to use slang at all and we survived. Joyce |
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shyvl Senior Member
since 2008-04-11
Posts 531texas, usa |
Aahhhhhhhhhhh! for the good old days of the OED. These days the language changes faster that my sheets. I just struggle to keep up. sharyn |
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Larrysmom Senior Member
since 2008-04-03
Posts 533Florida, USA |
Oh I love this Mr. Lindsay… Excellent! Tammy<333 |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
My dear Aussie Man, I do so know what you mean! That poem was really "bad" ~ which nowadays means really "good"! lol I enjoyed the read ~ and your sense of humour! Love & a big smile, Linda |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
I think we're getting pretty old, Lindsey when we can remember the original meaning of so many words. Sometimes you have to be careful what you say to some people these days or all you get from them is a blank stare. Enjoyed your words. Ida |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Long live the patient and diligent lexicographers! For without them, in the distant future, the earth's inhabitants will think this generation tried to repeat the tale of the ancient Tower of Babel! This is a great poem, crafted from time well spent by a "thinking" mind! Regards, Art |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
I Enjoyed the Write Lindsay! ARCTIC WIND  |
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Seoulair Senior Member
since 2008-03-27
Posts 807Seoul S.Korea |
Very very good. truth in humorous poem. Love the read. have u c those nu typing 2? I don't think that this trend is good. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
quote: I was smiling all the way until this... and then I was outright laughing. Such a truth in all of this, thanks for the smiles, Lindsay! |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
LindsayP, The English Language has been constantly evolving, and expanding for centuries, and will continue to do so. It is the dominate language in the world. Check out “The Compact Oxford English Dictionary”, it’s a gem. It comes with an excellent little magnifying glass. Bobby |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Joyce, Tammy and Sharon, it sounds like you were raised in the days when English was English, I'm so glad you liked it. many thanks. |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Linda, Ida and Art, your're response to my poems is always a great pleasure to read and I sicerely thank you all. Have a great day and may the sun shine upon you always. |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
To my very good friends Arctic Wind, Seoulair, Sunshine and Bobby. I appreiate your kind response far more than you realise, it's what keeps us writing, take care and may God bless you all. |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
I believe that languages live and evolve to adapt to the circumstances of the times. Once a language ceases to grow it is dead and unspoken. |
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