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Phew Nursery Rhyme

There is in the house a hullabaloo Furore, a fuss, commotion, ado The in-laws will soon Return from the moon Be staying with us, a month, maybe two! Short notice, their note arrived in the mail A bolt from the blue, a cause for travail. Do not get me wrong We all get along But we’re in a fix; the house is for sale! We’re packing our things and are under stress And as you can guess the place is a mess. What can we now do! We don’t have a clue This issue we must together assess. The ruckus abates, in silence we sit On boxes and chairs, our brows tightly knit Till Susan (who else!) “Eureka” she yells She is the most smart, I have to admit. “We’ll rent the hotel that is down the street It’s small but enough (her voice is upbeat) To hold one and all Let’s give them a call.” We quickly agree and jump off our seat. Off season it is, so luck's on our side We’re happy to get a place to reside... This surely will cause Surprise for in-laws Initial concern we’re putting aside. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Children’s Limericks Contest Sponsored by Eve Roper Placed 2nd © 1st December, 2022

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Jack Horne

Date: 6/18/2023 4:04:00 AM

Ha ha, love this fun write, Paul

Paul Callus
Date: 6/19/2023 6:31:00 AM

Glad you enjoyed, Jack. Best of luck to you, my friend // paul

Jeanette Brewin

Date: 1/21/2023 12:04:00 AM

A funny poem. Well written.

Paul Callus
Date: 1/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Glad you enjoyed it, Jeanette....thank you. Regards // paul

Charles Messina

Date: 1/18/2023 3:31:00 AM

LOL- your in-laws were sure in for a surprise, Paul. Great limericks too...Belated Congrats on your 1st place win! Regards // Charlie

Paul Callus
Date: 1/18/2023 2:53:00 PM

Thank you, Charles. Narrative Limericks kind of write themselves :) ~ Regards // paul

Gail Debole

Date: 1/4/2023 2:26:00 PM

Congrats on your win! I love the fact that you told your story in a whimsical way using the limerick form. Reminds me of a time when my family and I had just moved into a house with many unpacked boxes and little furniture and...surprise...a couple of relatives just decided to drop in unannounced!!!!

Paul Callus
Date: 1/6/2023 2:32:00 AM

Thank you on all counts, Gail. It is nice to have relatives dropping by, but not when we're completely unprepared. Your personal experience could lay the foundations for a delightful poem :) ~ Best regards // paul

Panagiota Romios

Date: 12/24/2022 9:36:00 AM

Congratulations, Paul. This is both witty and full of heart as you are……a most well deserved win, amigo! Pangie xoxo

Paul Callus
Date: 12/24/2022 11:20:00 AM

Thank you my friend Pangie. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes for the festive season. Warm regards // paul

Karen Jones

Date: 12/14/2022 2:03:00 AM

What a fun poem with melodic tones. Belated congrats on your 2nd place win.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/22/2022 12:03:00 PM

Thank you, Karen; glad you enjoyed it. Best regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 12/9/2022 7:50:00 AM

Hi Paul what a witty clever poem you have entered and deservedly won. I love it. Its great you all get along, but i hear a bell going ding dong, they have arrived, hope you survive ! Bravo to Susan what a great gal, I always enjoy your poetry my Pal. A blessed, happy and peaceful Christmas, to you and your wonderful family Paul, may all your collective dreams come to fruition with the New Year. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/23/2022 5:40:00 AM

I am sure I already replied to your pleasant comments, Jenny. But here goes again, just in case my mind is playing tricks on me :) Thank you for being so loyal and supportive, my friend. ~ I wish you and all your loved ones a Happy & Blessed Christmas and all the best for 2023 ~ Hugs // paul

Susan Lawrence

Date: 12/6/2022 6:44:00 AM

I love this journey Paul of preparations and stress as the in-laws return from the moon ! Your quick wit and your Susan’s bright idea keep things manageable !! So well described . I love the title as well !!Congratulations on your win . Big hugs and warm wishes for a healthy happy holiday season . Susan :)

Paul Callus
Date: 12/22/2022 11:39:00 AM

Thank you for your pleasant visit and congrats, Susan. (most Susans I know happen to be bright!) I hope you too enjoy a happy and 'relaxed' Christmas. ~ Warm regards & hugs, my friend. // paul

Jesz Ika

Date: 12/5/2022 1:35:00 PM

Dear Mr Paul, this is as very well of first place calibre, honestly.Competition must have been tight.I appreciate the rhythm structure:just the right ring to it.Couldn't help but make sure to read audibly(for the full experience), sounding a little frantic at some points; since "We’re packing our things and are under stress".

Jesz Ika
Date: 12/5/2022 1:37:00 PM

I'm tempted to add that emoji, where the guy is holding his head with both hands.Haha.I love how "Susan" presents her idea with such great enthusiasm. And most of all,what we all hope for, every single one of us, a happy ending to this great big drama of life.And Congrats. I'm proud of you. Thank you for making my night.Blessings

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/4/2022 2:54:00 PM

PHew is a GREAT title on this one. wonderful writing, Paul. Congrats for your win.

Silent One

Date: 12/4/2022 10:57:00 AM

This is so well done..it flows so well..Great limericks

Eve Roper

Date: 12/4/2022 9:50:00 AM

Great story, Paul, congratulations on your win . Many Blessings my friend

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2022 2:00:00 AM

Please forgive my late reply, dear Eve. Thank you for my high placement, but most of all for the inspiration which your contest offered me. ~ Regards & Blessings, my friend // paul

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 12/4/2022 7:58:00 AM

Dear Paul, a fun story - and so well-written! I particularly love these lines -" The in-laws will soon Return from the moon", "Till Susan (who else!) “Eureka” she yells" - you are a master of limericks as well - the poem is super witty, and enjoyable, even by adults. Congratulations on your win, Dear Poet. To my faves. I will share with my family. Best wishes ~ Mala

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2022 3:20:00 AM

Thank you for the lovely complimentary comments, dear Mala...and for the fav...all very much appreciated, my friend. ~ Regards & blessings // paul

Sara Kendrick

Date: 12/4/2022 3:07:00 AM

Congratulations on your winner in Eve's contest. Way to go. Sara..Reads like a real life happening that worked out just fine except for the trip to the moon. I wonder if they are thinking about relocating to the moon.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2022 1:56:00 AM

Thank you for a most pleasant visit, Sara. Probably in a few years time most people will be relocating to the moon, though I might give it a miss :) Best regards // paul

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/3/2022 8:55:00 AM

Dear Paul, your creative pen inspired such a delightful and witty string of limericks. I especially loved "The in-laws will soon / Return from the moon" haha! And I have to admit a special fondness for this line too.. "Till Susan (who else!) / “Eureka” she yells / She is the most smart, I have to admit".. hehe! :)) A fun and fabulous poem, my wonderful friend! Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes and hugs for you.. ~Susan

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 2:25:00 PM

Thank you, Susan. I'm glad that this light, fun poem achieved the aim it was written for. And, yes....you did catch on to the Susan (who else!)...( she is smart :) ~ Warm regards & Hugs, my friend // paul

Speaks Volumes

Date: 12/2/2022 1:03:00 AM

Well done Paul. An interesting story running through a collection of Limericks, made it exceedingly readable. Enjoyed it very much.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 12:24:00 PM

Thank you, Wendy. It is not always easy to go down to a child's level while keeping in mind that this has to appeal to grownups as well. ~ Regards // paul

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/1/2022 5:44:00 PM

Seems best sometimes, especially when loved ones are from outer space! ;)

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 12:16:00 PM

At this time of year everyone is most welcome in our house, Kim :) but I would not want to be caught on the wrong foot! // paul

Sam Kauffman

Date: 12/1/2022 1:53:00 PM

It's amazing how a disaster can generate so much out of the box thinking Paul. I just love this especially the way the lines flow so easily just like inspired creativity! Best wishes for the contest. Blessings of the season to you!

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 11:57:00 AM

Thank you for your lovely insightful comments, Sam; very much appreciated. Sending you season's greetings & blessings // paul

Ilene Bauer

Date: 12/1/2022 9:20:00 AM

well done, paul! best of luck in the contest...

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 11:49:00 AM

Thank you so much, Ilene. Your visit and continued support is appreciated. Regards // paul

L Milton Hankins

Date: 12/1/2022 9:00:00 AM

Delightful, Paul. A complete story in marvelous, well-written limericks!

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 11:40:00 AM

Pleased that you enjoyed my Limerick narrative, Milton...thank you. Regards // paul

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 12/1/2022 8:39:00 AM

Great limericks. And a happy ending.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 11:21:00 AM

Thank you, Victor. Being a contest aimed at children a happy ending seemed quite appropriate. Regards // paul

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/1/2022 8:16:00 AM

Lovely string of limericks Paul, thankfully a happy ending for all. Hope you're keeping well. Tom

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 12:09:00 PM

Thank you, Tom. Pleased to see you again after your vacation. Regards // paul

Paul Callus
Date: 12/3/2022 10:54:00 AM

Thank you, Tom. Pleased to see you again after your vacation. Regards // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/1/2022 6:24:00 AM

- A lovely piece of writing for children, Paul ... I love it, and I'm sure Eve does too :) - hugs

Paul Callus
Date: 12/1/2022 6:37:00 AM

Thank you for being my first commenting visitor, dear Anne-Lise. Glad that you found it to your liking :) Regards & Hugs // paul