Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Ivory Tower, USA
Posts: 1496

The following is from the Washington Post Style Invitational contest that asks readers to submit "instructions" for something (anything), but written in the style of a famous person.

The winning entry was The Hokey Pokey (as written by W. Shakespeare)


O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke,
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from Heavens yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the poke -- banish now thy doubt
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Hilbert Space
Posts: 35779

That is pretty funny. Although it would be 'Hokey Cokey' over here.

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 13002

brilliant! perfect pentameters too

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Hilbert Space
Posts: 35779

The last two or three lines aren't pentameters are they? Or is that allowed within the rules? It is a long time since I worried about anything like that.

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 13002

yes you're right. The last two are not pentameters. Oh well. Still good anyway.

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