Mrs. Hudson's Poetry Page: The Sign of Four, Chaps. 1 - 6

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Welcome once again to my poetry page!

I hope each week you will read Dr. Watson’s delightful narrative and then be inspired to write a poem related to it in some way. All forms of poetry are permitted, and further down the page there is a selection you might like to consider using over the coming weeks.


This week my featured form is the epigram.

Shadow Poetry gives the following definition:

Epigrams are a short satirical poems ending with either a humorous retort or a stinging punchline. Used mainly as expressions of social criticism or political satire, the most common forms are written as a couplet: a pair of rhymed lines in the same meter.


My thoughts turned to a certain consulting detective:

Mr. Holmes is so careful what he keeps in his brain
But he puts smoke in his lungs and cocaine in his vein.

If he’s looking for stimulation, perhaps he could have a go at tidying the sitting-room. Though I must not be too judgmental. Gin has been a great comfort to me ever since Mr. Holmes moved in.

Anyway, as always this is simply something to consider for the future. Any form of poetry is welcome this week—and every week! Here are a few suggestions for you:

acrostic poetry, clerihew, epigram, haiku, limerick, palindrome poetry, sedoka, sestina, sonnet, tanka, terza rima, tongue twister poetry, triolet, tyburn, villanelle


Please leave all your poems inspired by The Sign of Four in the comments on this post. I look forward to seeing them!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Hudson

Comments

An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

She tolerates bullet holes, fires and each client-visit.
You do have to wonder just whose house is it…

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[tardisjournal.livejournal.com]

She is extraordinarily tolerant! Perhaps the gin she mentions in her own post plays a bigger role than she's letting on. ;)

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

I drink only in moderation! (*hides empty bottle behind cushion*)

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

It hasn't escapted notice that an increase in rent occurs when either price of gin, or the consumption of said liquid, goes up.

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

I resent what you are implying, madam...

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Thank you, dear. It is nice to see someone is on my side.

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Nicely expressed. I suppose it gives her a good position in the whose-worst game landladies play about their tenants. And she's probably not the winner, at that.

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

I wonder what Mr. Barker's landlady had to put up with...

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[debriswoman]

Neatly done...I wonder what previous tenants were like..

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

A gentleman thief, a forger, a smuggler and a dissolute member of the minor aristocracy.

But at least none of them fired guns at the walls.

Re: An epigram for Mrs. Hudson

[debriswoman]

Just can't get the quality lodgers these days...

[tardisjournal.livejournal.com]

Touché!

Nice job. :)

[debriswoman]

Thank you:-)

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

It is clear that our Mr Holmes still has things to learn.

[debriswoman]

Oh, yes:-p

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

I do perhaps understand Mr. Holmes' point of view. However, I cannot help but find it significant that Miss Morstan tells us her employer had been impressed by his kindness as well as his skill.

[debriswoman]

An observant landlady...a necessary trait with such tenants.

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Excellent! Thank you.

[debriswoman]

Thank you:-)

Limerick

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

There was a young lady called Mary
Who Watson thought quite extraordinary
Holmes said he should wait
But Watson knew it was fate
And told Holmes not to be so contrary

Re: Limerick

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

The good doctor does like a limerick himself. Apparently he learnt them while he was in the Army. Must say I do not always understand them though...

Excellent stuff, madam. Very moving.

Re: Limerick

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I have a feeling, madam, that it is as well that you do not understand all the good doctor's limericks.

Re: Limerick

[debriswoman]

Nicely done:-)

Re: Limerick

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you.