chicalolita ([info]chicalolita) wrote,
@ 2008-09-01 22:58:00
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The Bugle challenge - a sonnet for Obama-Biden
Don't know how many of you listen to it, but The Bugle is the podcast by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman. They made a challenge this week for people to write sonnets because someone realised 'Obama-Biden' is half a line of iambic pentameter. Naturally, I got out my quill. Suggestions on how to improve are greatly appreciated.

I did two versions, both end with the same joke, cos I can't let go that a place is called the Mile High City.


Obama-Biden were the names that shone
As coloured sparks lit up the Denver sky
Barack told us that all despair is gone
The world let out a great collective sigh

A million songs and speakers warmed the crowd
Would he perchance say ‘hope’ within his speech?
The buzzwords flowed like wine, clichés unbowed
And so around the doubters he did reach

Should John give up the snark, now there’s the rub
Get drunk on hope and join the Mile High Club!

************************************

Obama-Biden buttons pinned to breast
The Democrats prepared for their new reign
It was just like a ‘Change’ Oktoberfest
Hangover’s in November, yet again

John thought he’d be immune from cunning ploy
Barack’s Absinthe of hope went to his head
Drunk on propitious words and odes to joy
The skin of British snark then he did shed

The correspondent went to pillory
But joined the Mile High Club with Hillary



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[info]apis_cerana
2008-09-01 10:11 pm UTC (link)
Oh jeez, I love them both! I'm sure the Buglers will appreciate them as well ;)

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[info]chicalolita
2008-09-01 10:20 pm UTC (link)
Thanks! I only sent in the second one, mainly because I'm fond of the phrase "Barack's Absinthe of hope."

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[info]nerdork
2008-09-01 11:16 pm UTC (link)
My instincts lean towards the first one, though I'm not sure why as the second is filled with gems (and has the extended metaphor thing going for it, to boot).

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[info]chicalolita
2008-09-01 11:26 pm UTC (link)
Angela said that, too. In her case it might've been an allergic reaction to too much snark about the Democrats' chances of winning...

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[info]nerdork
2008-09-01 11:30 pm UTC (link)
The more I read the second one, the more I'm convinced of its brilliance. I'm glad you sent it in!

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[info]chicalolita
2008-09-01 11:56 pm UTC (link)
I'm considering changing the final couplet of the first one and sending that in too, seeing as people tend to have an immediate reaction to it. I actually put a bit of work into the second one!

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