I'm not a poet, and I surely know it. But since a Tweeted Haiku Contest has become a National Grammar Day "tradition," I can't resist the urge to throw a few syllables together. I shall receive neither fame nor fortune, but I certainly didn't become a word nerd for the big bucks!
What's that? Yes, I said "Grammar Day." March 4. Every year since 2008. We celebrate all things beautiful about the English language. ("We" refers to any lover of the language.) We laugh, we cry, and we may even diagram a sentence. (Is that even taught in school anymore?)
We remind ourselves that grammar--and spelling and punctuation, for that matter--are all tools to facilitate communication. But that tool is not a sledgehammer used to beat rules into one's head. One man's grammar rule is another man's usage preference. You may be right, but that doesn't mean that another guideline is wrong. Well, unless we're talking about a misused it's/its, they're/their/there, or you're/your. *shudder* Doctor Who once said that time is "like a big ball of wibbly wobbly...time-y wimey...stuff." Language is also fluid, constantly evolving. So educate, coach, guide, and direct, but you will never be able to force the language into your narrow mold.
Back to the topic at hand: These were my attempts at Grammar Day haiku. I wish I'd been able to come up with more. Please...share your own grammar creativity!
I don't fear haiku.
With the power of grammar
I bravely march forth!
Pandas are shooting
While cannibals eat Grandma.
Place commas wisely.
One awkward phrase is
"Up with which I will not put."
What's right is right, though.
After reading the winning entries here, I am reminded that I am merely an amateur.
Now go forth and punctuate responsibly!
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