Work of Genius or Rogue K.O.

Work of Genius or Rogue K.O. - if New?

So my anagram wasn't very good.

But this electronic book, The Holy Tango of Literature, by Francis Heaney, who may be pictured here to the right (unless this is someone else with the same name) now making its way across the Internet, just may revive interest in poetry, and linguistic wit.

It is certainly, to my mind, the most brilliant light verse written by an American since Ogden Nash.

The link is here: http://www.yarnivore.com/francis/Holy_Tango.htm

The idea is simple, take an anagram of a poet or playwright's name, and turn it in to the title of a work they never wrote, and then write one in their style. In terms of constraints and wordplay-complexity, it renders all former forms of literary spoof tame dull stuff.

For instance, Heaney gives us:

ELVES ENACT LAWS
WALLACE STEVENS

Call the roll for the majority whip,
The wispy one, and bid him vote
On autumn leaves' numismatic worth.
Let committees dawdle in the glen
As they are wont to do, and let their aides
Weave flowers through broken lute strings.
Let vetos float amid the spheres.
The only senator is the senator of pointy ears.

Take from the closet of lark,
Lacking a three-piece suit, the vest
On which are embroidered fairy songs
To while away the hours of debate.
If a porcine clause appear, a spell
Will make a rider say farewell.
Let the world keep its frontiers.
The only senator is the senator of pointy ears.

(please note, this is presented as a sample of the book, which I encourage you to buy at http://www.emmisbooks.com/ )

Comments

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