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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

For Real Toads: the Shakespeare challenge

Kerry says she's gone "old school" for this challenge, which makes it right up my alley, since most of the old schools I attended have long since been torn down or, possibly, turned into condominiums.
I haven't been able to respond to challenges here at the online writers' group Imaginary Garden with Real Toads for a week or so, due to a headache and some other health issues which plague my life, but I think I'm back.
Please forgive me for not commenting on the poetry of other members, but my poor brain has been in rather bad shape.
When the idea of using something from Shakespeare actually got me thinking "Oh, what fun!" I was just thrilled. I was so sorry to have to pass up Ella's challenge, and Fireblossom's, and so happy to think I could try something here. It isn't wonderful, and "it ain't art" but it might be my chance to sneak back into the Imaginary Garden again.

Shmoop photo


Scene: A basement office in the depths of Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
            In the middle, a model of a singularly unprepossessing prison.
A thunderous drum roll announces the entrance of Prime Minister Harper, along with three of his cabinet minions.
  
First cabinet minion:     Thrice Mrs. Harper’s cats have mewed.
Second cabinet minion: More than once, the poor have whined.
Third cabinet minion:    Harper decreed — it’s time! it’s time!
  
First cabinet minion:      Round about the prison go,
                                           In the poor and sickly throw,
                                           And those guilty of internet use,
                                           Heap their heads with much abuse.
  
Double, double toil and trouble; 
    Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
  
Second cabinet minion: Throw in all the union members
                                          Roast the lefties in the embers
    
Third cabinet minion:    All those who against us vote
                                          Throw a noose around each throat
  
Double, double toil and trouble; 
    Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
  
First cabinet minion:     Scientists who dare to claim
                                          There's such a thing as climate change
                                          Imprisonment for them arrange!
  
Double, double toil and trouble; 
    Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
  

Second cabinet minion:  And the subject our wives can't speak of
                                           Lest they should begin to think of...

Third cabinet minion:    No, no, don't say it! Not out loud!
                                          The very thought can draw a crowd...

Double, double toil and trouble; 
    Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
 

                                       

15 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

haha! This is priceless, Kay. The best part is that, though I am familiar with your politicians, your theme is universal - hardly a name change is needed for it to be applicable anywhere.

Hoorah for your dabbling in Shakespeare!

PS: Great idea to set it out in script form.

Susie Clevenger said...

Brilliant...I agree with Kerry this is a universal theme...it so applies to us in the United States!

Daydreamer said...

I agree with Kerry, these are all politicians everywhere. LOL
Very, very clever. Welcome back!

Susan said...

I love updated adaptations, and this is the best I've seen in a long time! It would work through the entire play.

I know the feeling of joy when I find a glimpse of interest to bring me out of flu or funk or to tempt me to go past pain. I am very glad you are back, and it is this great satire that brought you!

Sherry Blue Sky said...

So funny, Kay! "Roast the lefties in the embers"....hee hee.

Maude Lynn said...

This is so clever! I love it!

Hannah said...

I agree with Kerry here!!! Well done and humorous in a timely applicable way!!

Scarlet said...

I like the Canadian political play ~ I was actually laughing along the way ~
Nice one ~

Mary said...

Definitely the way of the world. I think we all can find aspects of truth here.

Anonymous said...

nicely done Kay

TALON said...

Hope you are feeling 100 percent again, Kay. This was glorious! I can tell you had a blast crafting it.

Anonymous said...

Super clever. This is just terrific, Kay. Thanks much.

hedgewitch said...

This was great fun--and so applies to us here in the US too--and I also like the script structure--it really works well. Loved the satire that hits all too close to home. Hope you continue to feeling better, Kay.

Ella said...

I love how clever this is! And like everyone said, so universal...
Yes, a lot of truth in this one...
I loved the charm, the truth and magic of your potion, I mean poem ;D

Margaret said...

Shakespeare would be proud! :) Truly hope you are feeling better...